Moroccan Rapper Sentenced Amid Controversy Over Israel Ties and Government Criticism
A Moroccan rapper, known for his outspoken criticism of Morocco’s dealings with Israel and government corruption, has been sentenced to eight months in prison, marking another instance of legal action against young musicians in the region.
Souhaib Qabli, who performs under the name L7assal, has been vocal about his disapproval of Morocco’s 2020 decision to establish formal relations with Israel, a move facilitated by the Trump administration. His lyrics also address issues related to public services and limitations on free speech, concerns echoed by Morocco’s Generation Z during protests last year.
The 23-year-old rapper faced charges of insulting a constitutional body, as confirmed by his lawyer, Mohamed Taifi, to The Associated Press. In addition to the prison sentence, Qabli was fined $106. Taifi noted, “The court did not clarify what it meant by a constitutional body. No specific party was identified in the case file, and there are many constitutional institutions.”
Despite being cleared of accusations such as insulting public officials and spreading false information, Qabli plans to appeal the verdict. His supporters gathered outside the Taza court, located approximately 162 miles from Rabat, holding banners demanding his release. Human rights organizations in Morocco have labeled the case as a political tactic to suppress freedom.
Qabli, also a student of refrigeration and air conditioning at a vocational institute, was taken into custody earlier this month and remained jailed until the court’s decision. During the trial, he argued that his artistic expression was not intended to offend any constitutional entity.
His song “No to the Normalization” criticizes Morocco’s diplomatic agreement with Israel, part of the U.S.-backed Abraham Accords, which included U.S. recognition of Morocco’s claim over the Western Sahara. This development triggered significant protests by Morocco’s pro-Palestinian community, although the authorities permitted the demonstrations, they have detained activists who opposed the decision.
While Morocco’s constitution upholds freedom of expression, certain remarks can still lead to legal repercussions. Despite being considered relatively moderate in the region, Morocco has been tightening its stance on dissent, affecting journalists and activists alike.
