A French influencer of Algerian descent, known on social media by the pseudonym "Yass Naubelle," has been sentenced to one year in prison by the correctional court in Marrakech, Morocco, on Monday, June 22. The Moroccan judicial system has accused her of corruption after she posted a video on social media where she alleged misconduct by the police. The 30-year-old woman has the option to appeal this ruling.
In addition to the prison sentence, the content creator has been fined 2,000 dirhams, which is approximately 190 euros, and she is also responsible for the legal costs incurred. She was found guilty of "disseminating and publishing false allegations and facts with the intent to harm the privacy of individuals or defame them" as well as "insulting a legally established institution." She has a ten-day window to file her appeal.
Arrested at Marrakech Airport
The situation escalated following a video she shared on social media, which prompted an investigation. She was arrested on June 13 at Marrakech Airport while attempting to board a flight to France and was subsequently placed in provisional detention. The influencer has a following of 20,000 on TikTok.
In her video, she directed her criticism towards law enforcement, alleging that they would "stop even girls... for no reason" and claimed they were "trying to extort money." Furthermore, she described driving conditions in Marrakech as "dangerous" and suggested that Algerians were better drivers. She began her video by apologizing to her people, the Algerian community, stating, "When I say that you can't drive, I've seen worse than you. The Moroccan people are crazy, guys."
Tensions Between Algiers and Rabat
This sentencing occurs amidst strained relations between Algiers and Rabat, which have been at odds over several issues, particularly concerning Western Sahara. In this territory, Morocco has faced resistance from the Polisario Front, an independence movement supported by Algeria, for over fifty years.
As reported by actu17.fr.
