Freemuse Condemns Detention of El Mahdi Lyoubi
Freemuse has vehemently condemned the detention of Moroccan filmmaker and rapper El Mahdi Lyoubi, known professionally as Black Wind, urging for the immediate cessation of charges against him and his release from custody. Lyoubi has been detained in Casablanca since the evening of July 13, where he appeared before a prosecutor on July 15. The prosecutor ordered his continued detention, with his initial hearing postponed to July 22, and he is currently held at Oukacha prison in Casablanca. Reports indicate that his arrest is linked to his artistic expressions and social media activities, raising significant concerns, especially as the legal community in Morocco is on strike, leaving Lyoubi without legal representation during his proceedings.
In late June, Lyoubi returned to Morocco to scout locations for a documentary project. After spending quality time with his family and enjoying the excitement of the France-Morocco World Cup football match, he intended to return to France on July 10. However, upon arriving at the airport, he was abruptly informed by a police officer that he was prohibited from leaving the country without any explanation. Subsequently, he received a summons to appear before the Casablanca judicial police on July 13, with his family being notified later that evening about his detention.
International Support for Lyoubi
El Mahdi Lyoubi is not only a filmmaker but also a renowned rapper, with his documentary works showcased at prestigious events such as the Sheffield Docfest and MoMA’s New Directors/New Films festival. His musical creations, including tracks like “Nashid,” “L’Koul Fer3oun Kin Moussa,” and “Nbiyech,” have gained significant traction, amassing hundreds of thousands of views. The outcry for his release has garnered support from over 500 artists, musicians, and film professionals who have signed a petition calling for his freedom, which was published by the French media outlet Mediapart.
Freemuse has appealed to the Moroccan authorities to release Lyoubi immediately and to refrain from any criminal actions against him related to his peaceful artistic endeavors. The organization emphasizes that such actions contradict the rights to freedom of artistic expression and participation in cultural life, which are protected under international human rights laws, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR), to which Morocco has been a State Party since 1979. Furthermore, Freemuse calls on the international community to unite in demanding Lyoubi's immediate release and to press the Moroccan authorities to halt any criminal proceedings linked to his peaceful artistic activities.
As reported by freemuse.org.
