Moroccan Journalist Ali Lmrabet Detained After Arrival from Barcelona
Ali Lmrabet, a prominent Moroccan journalist known for his critical stance against the Moroccan government, was detained on Sunday at the Tangier International Airport following his arrival from Barcelona, Spain. This incident has raised significant concerns regarding press freedom in Morocco, especially given Lmrabet's history with the authorities. His wife, Laura Feliú, confirmed the detention, stating that Lmrabet communicated with her, expressing that he feels he is being "kidnapped" by the authorities. Despite the gravity of the situation, Moroccan officials have not yet provided any official confirmation regarding Lmrabet's detention or his legal status in the country.
Ali Lmrabet, born in Tetouan in 1959, has long been a thorn in the side of the Moroccan establishment. His career has included leadership roles in various publications, including the now-defunct _Le Journal_ and _Demain_, both of which faced censorship and were banned in Morocco due to their content. Lmrabet has a storied past, having been imprisoned in 2003 for four years, a sentence that was eventually commuted by King Mohammed VI following a hunger strike and international advocacy for his release. After his release, he was barred from working as a journalist for ten years, which led him to relocate to Spain, though he frequently returned to Morocco to visit family.
This latest detention marks the first time Lmrabet has faced arrest since relocating to Spain, according to his wife, who noted that the specific charges against him remain unclear. There are concerns that he may be transferred to Casablanca, further complicating an already precarious situation for press freedom in the region. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Lmrabet has also collaborated with international media outlets from countries like Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, and he runs a podcast focused on Moroccan politics. The international community and press freedom advocates will be closely monitoring this situation, as it highlights ongoing issues regarding the treatment of journalists in Morocco.
As reported by oem.com.mx.
