Severe Sentencing for Social Media Posts
The primary court in Fes has recently handed down a strict sentence to a student from Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, imposing a four-year prison term along with a hefty fine of 50,000 Moroccan dirhams. The ruling, delivered on Monday, October 5, highlights the serious repercussions of online expressions and opinions in today's digital age.
This case arose from a series of posts and comments shared by the student on his social media accounts. The content included discussions related to illegal immigration and calls for public protests, as well as remarks deemed offensive to law enforcement agencies and their personnel. The court's decision not only entails imprisonment but also mandates the deletion and destruction of the contested posts and statements that were central to the case.
Additionally, the court ordered the confiscation of the student's mobile phones and computer, which were seized during the investigation, to be transferred to state property. The student has also been burdened with the court costs associated with the trial. The arrest was executed by security forces in the Kriyo area of the Zawiya district, following an alert from the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance regarding the content published on social media platforms.
The public prosecutor's office has charged the student with offenses related to insulting an organized body, inciting the commission of felonies and misdemeanors through electronic means, as well as disrespecting public officials during the performance of their duties—comments that could undermine their honor.
As reported by marrakech7.com.
