Yasser Mounbir: A Graffiti Artist in Legal Trouble
Yasser Mounbir, a prominent figure in the Moroccan graffiti scene, is currently facing trial in Casablanca after being incarcerated for three months. The 22-year-old artist is accused of publishing satirical drawings of King Mohammed VI on social media, which have sparked significant controversy. His trial is scheduled for September 16, 2026, and he has been charged with offenses that include "insulting a constitutional body" and "offending a public official." These serious allegations arose following his summons by the Casablanca judicial police, and his supporters have contested claims of an altercation with a police officer during his arrest.
The Controversial Artwork
Investigations into Mounbir's case began when authorities focused on his Instagram account, which boasts over 12,000 followers. The artwork in question includes depictions of King Mohammed VI in various satirical forms, including portrayals that feature the king in drag or resembling an animal. One particularly provocative drawing shows the king kneeling with an electric discharge in the background. The legal proceedings against him may be grounded in Article 179 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which prescribes penalties for "defamation, insult, or offense against the person of the king." This case underscores the increasingly repressive environment for artistic expression in Morocco, especially when it involves critiques of the monarchy.
Mounbir's supporters have expressed concerns regarding the growing severity of prosecutions for perceived offenses against the monarchy, viewing this as an alarming trend toward the suppression of dissenting voices. His trial is one of several recent legal actions taken against individuals accused of making disparaging remarks or representations of the king, highlighting a broader issue regarding freedom of expression in the country.
As reported by africaradio.com.
