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Rabat — Ilyas El Maliki, a notorious Moroccan streamer, landed in hot water this week. Late Tuesday, a court in El Jadida sentenced him to four months in prison and fined him MAD 5,000 ($500) for public indecency.
He was initially also charged for inciting hatred and discrimination towards Amazigh groups as a result of his recent public comments which were viewed as disrespectful. However, the complaints were dropped.
Inside the courtroom, the atmosphere was tense. In front of a packed room of supporters and critics, El Malki admitted fault.
He apologized publicly to Morocco’s Amazigh community, calling his remarks a “slip of the tongue,” not an intentional insult. Outside, a crowd of family and fans voiced relief at his partial acquittal.
The prosecution, however, pressed for tougher consequences, warning of the dangers of unchecked online provocations.
El Maliki’s case isn’t unique. Morocco is facing a surge in legal battles involving social media stars. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok, reputed for freedom of speech, have turned into breeding grounds for conflicts. Defamation, hate speech, and public indecency are common charges.
In a separate case, police have arrested YouTuber Reda Bouzidi, aka Reda Weld El Chinwya, on charges of fraud, public indecency, verbal abuse, and human trafficking.
Journalist Mohamed Wamoussa took to Facebook to share his thoughts. “This is the right move,” he wrote. “These so-called influencers thrive on vulgar words and shameless acts. It’s time to put an end to it.”
The fine line between free speech and criminal behavior is tested every day. However, the stakes are high for offenders.
“Content published on social media is not above the law,” says Abderrahim Bouhamidi, a Rabat-based lawyer, said in an interview with SNRT News. He links the rise in cases as more Moroccans start creating content on social media adoption drooling over the financial incentives they offer.
More views and followers mean more income. At the same time, these creators are unaware of law and ethics. “Many users don’t understand that their content can lead to prosecution,” Bouhamidi added.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s laws leave little room for ambiguity.
Hate speech, defamation, and indecent content are off-limits. So is sharing personal data without consent or spreading false information.
Yassine Assila, a Casablanca lawyer, told SNRT News that “users must know the legal boundaries of their actions online.” Violations carry heavy penalties – fines of up to MAD 200,000 ($20,000) and prison sentences lasting years depending on the charge.
Assila wants victims to speak up. Too often, they stay silent, fearing retaliation or public backlash. “If more people step forward, it will deter others from crossing the line,” he added.
Morocco’s courts are trying to send a message. Online behavior has real-world consequences. But punitive measures alone won’t fix the problem. “We need better digital education,” remarked Bouhamidi, calling for campaigns to teach users about legal and ethical conduct online.
But the storm isn’t over for Ilyas El Maliki.
Last Thursday, the court sentenced him to an additional four months in prison for hate speech, defamation of, and insulting a social media influencer.
The lesson is clear. Social media is a powerful tool. However, creators need to assume the responsibility to educate themselves on the code of conduct, ethical issues, and media law.
The court has been blunt on the subject. It will not budge to issue the toughest sentences on anyone who crosses the line and defames someone else’s character.
As Morocco tightens its grip on inappropriate online behavior, these sentences serve as a deterrent.
