Rabat — A Moroccan court sentenced today feminist activist Ibtissam Lachgar to two and a half years in prison and a fine of MAD 50,000 ($5,000) for blasphemy.
Lachgar’s defense lawyers described the ruling as “harsh” and “catastrophic.”
The Rabat Primary Court handed down the sentence against Lachgar, who has been in detention since August 10 after posting what Moroccan authorities consider a blasphemous image and social media post.
Converging reports indicate that her defense team described the verdict as catastrophic, citing Lachgar’s precarious health condition.
Local media quoted a source from her defense as saying: “She could die at any time in prison. We explained this to the court, and Lachgar herself explained her condition to the court.”
The court rejected multiple requests for temporary release from Lachgar’s lawyers, despite her critical health condition and ongoing battle with cancer.
Lachgar, known as “Betty” on social media, was arrested after posting a photo of herself wearing a t-shirt with the words “Allah is lesbian” — what she called a play on a feminist slogan.
The post included a caption calling Islam “fascist and misogynistic.”
During the trial proceedings, prosecutors insisted on keeping her in detention while the court repeatedly denied bail requests from her defense team.
Under Moroccan law, blasphemy charges can result in up to five years in prison and fines of up to $20,000.
The Moroccan Penal Code sets penalties of six months to two years imprisonment or fines up to MAD 200,000 ($20,000) for “offending Islam,” with sentences increased to five years if the offense occurs publicly or electronically.
Today’s ruling still leaves Lachgar’s defense team with room to file an appeal. The case has sparked legal and human rights debates about freedom of expression and its limits in Morocco.
Blasphemy cases occasionally make headlines in Morocco, including a 2022 case involving a blogger, signaling ongoing tensions between traditional religious values and calls for greater individual freedoms.
Lachgar has been a controversial figure in Moroccan activism, advocating for individual liberties and women’s rights in the conservative North African country.
The harsh sentence comes amid broader discussions about the boundaries of free speech in Morocco and the treatment of activists who challenge religious and social norms.
