Marrakech Court's Verdict Against Mourad Hebbal

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, the primary court in Marrakech convicted activist and blogger Mourad Hebbal to four months in prison and imposed a fine of 1000 dirhams, as confirmed by local sources. Following this ruling, Omar Arbib, the head of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights in Marrakech, commented that the case lacked the conditions for a fair trial, noting that Hebbal was not granted bail, hindering his ability to defend himself effectively.

In an interview with "Voix du Maroc," Arbib expressed concerns that prosecuting citizens for their online expressions poses a significant threat to freedom of speech and human rights in general. He emphasized that Hebbal's post did not incite violence, hatred, or discrimination and was in line with Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Furthermore, the Deputy Chairperson of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights criticized the decision to prosecute Hebbal under the Penal Code instead of the Press and Publication Law, which is designed for professional journalists as well as citizen journalists. The public prosecutor's office had previously decided to pursue charges against Hebbal while he was in custody, relating to a digital post deemed to incite criminal behavior using electronic means.

The Marrakech branch of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights condemned the decision to charge the activist while he was in detention, asserting that this action stemmed from the legitimate exercise of free speech—a right that is constitutionally guaranteed. The organization highlighted that Hebbal is part of the youth movement "Gen Z" and is associated with the "Ultras Kawkab Marrakech" group, having previously engaged with the February 20 Movement. Human rights activists in Marrakech have called for his immediate and unconditional release, stressing that suppressing digital spaces through arrests and legal actions undermines any claims of safeguarding freedoms and human rights. They assert that such moves reveal the official rhetoric's contradiction regarding adherence to international treaties and reinforce the state's ongoing neglect of its commitments in the realm of civil and political rights.

As reported by arabic.pressbee.net.