Marrakech – The First Instance Court of Marrakech has sentenced Moroccan artist Karima Ghaith to two months in prison and fined her MAD 500 ($50), along with additional legal costs.
The court also ordered her to pay MAD 5000 ($500) in damages to the civil plaintiff.
The charges stem from an incident at Marrakech Airport, where Ghaith was accused of insulting a public official in the line of duty.
In October, the Public Prosecutor at the First Instance Court in Marrakech amended the charges against artist Karima Ghaith.
Initially accused of “insulting the judicial police,” she was later charged with “insulting a public official in the line of duty.”
Following the incident at Marrakech Menara Airport, Ghaith was released on bail of MAD 5000 ($500).
In April, Marrakech-based lawyer Abderrazak Kouti outlined the potential penalties for the Moroccan artist.
According to Kouti, if convicted under Article 263 of the Moroccan Penal Code, Ghaith could face a prison sentence ranging from one month to one year, as well as a fine between MAD 250 ($25) and MAD 5000 ($500).
This article applies to insults directed at members of the judiciary, public officials, or agents of the public force while performing their duties.
Kouti added that the penalty could increase to two years in prison if the insult was accompanied by physical violence.
On social media, opinions are sharply divided over the case.
Some users defended Morocco’s police force, saying that insulting a public official is “a red line” that should not be crossed.
Others expressed concern that this year seems to be a challenging one for artists, with many facing accusations or sentences. Some comments suggested that artists no longer know their limits, with “money and fame” making them feel above the law and disrespectful toward others.
In a more sarcastic tone, one user quipped, “Go join Dounia Batma in prison,” a reference to the singer currently serving time.
