Renowned Franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was detained at Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport upon his arrival from Spain on July 12, then transferred to Casablanca for questioning under accusations of spreading false information. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned the move, demanding his immediate release and warning against the judicial harassment of critical voices.
arrested under vague accusations
Ali Lmrabet, who entered Morocco for personal administrative procedures, was held at Tangier Airport and brought to Casablanca for interrogation by the National Judicial Police Brigade. Prosecutors claim multiple outstanding warrants relate to digital publications deemed defamatory toward individuals and institutions. The journalist now faces charges of allegedly spreading false information that undermines constitutional authorities.
press freedom defenders denounce judicial abuse
“The detention of Ali Lmrabet is deeply alarming and exemplifies the systematic misuse of judicial processes to silence dissent. We demand his immediate release. His lifelong dedication to journalism and the public’s right to know aligns with Morocco’s stated commitments, yet criminalizing his work distorts justice into a tool of oppression.”
a lifetime of fighting for free expression
As a pioneer of independent journalism in Morocco, Lmrabet founded the now-defunct Demain Magazine and Doumane, publications that challenged official narratives. In 2003, he was sentenced to four years in prison for “contempt of the king” following critical reporting, though he received a royal pardon the following year. A 2005 conviction for defamation barred him from practicing journalism in Morocco, yet he continued his work from France and Spain—countries where he holds citizenship and residency. His reporting on sensitive topics, including national security issues, has appeared in major Spanish outlets such as El Mundo and El País.
Internationally recognized for his commitment to press freedom, Lmrabet was named one of RSF’s “100 Information Heroes” in 2014. Through his YouTube channel, he regularly addresses pressing political developments, maintaining a platform that authorities have repeatedly sought to silence. Despite 20 years of periodic visits to Morocco for family matters, he had never faced legal consequences—until now.
Morocco currently ranks 105th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting ongoing concerns about media freedom in the region.