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Rabat – A Moroccan women’s rights group has expressed solidarity with the family of a young student from Khenifra who ended her life after suffering online abuse and blackmail.
The young woman, identified as Wafaa, came from a poor family living on the outskirts of Khenifra. According to her relatives, she was in a relationship with a young man who took intimate photos of her. Later, someone obtained these pictures and began threatening to publish them online. When the images eventually spread on social media, Wafaa’s life took a tragic turn.
At first, she took legal action against her partner, whom she accused of rape, but the case was settled when the two got married. However, after their marriage, the private pictures were leaked again. Her husband then told her they should divorce because the images were circulating again on TikTok. Overwhelmed and humiliated, Wafaa drank rat poison and took her own life.
In a heartbreaking video, her parents appeared devastated by the loss of their daughter as they called for justice and for her abusers to be held accountable. Many Moroccans on social media expressed sorrow and anger, saying Wafaa’s death is another reminder of the dangers women face from digital violence and blackmail.
Tahadi Association for Equality and Citizenship (ATEC) issued a statement offering condolences to the family and condemning the crimes of online harassment and defamation. The group said it was ready to provide both psychological support and legal assistance to the grieving family.
ATEC also warned about the growing dangers of digital violence against women in Morocco. “These crimes have direct consequences that push women to think about, attempt, or commit suicide,” the statement said.
The group urged lawmakers to take stronger action, criticizing the limited protections offered by Law 103.13 on violence against women. It recalled that in May 2024, the association submitted a draft law specifically aimed at protecting women and girls from online violence, but parliament has yet to act on it.
Women’s rights activists say Wafaa’s death is not an isolated case. They argue that tougher laws and harsher penalties are needed to stop the spread of online violence, blackmail, and harassment that continue to harm women across the country.
