Rabat – The First Instance Court of El Jadida delivered its verdict on Tuesday evening against YouTuber Ilyas El Malki, sentencing him to four months in prison and a fine of MAD 5,000 ($485).
The ruling followed a hearing that lasted several hours.
El-Malki, a popular YouTuber with 1.6 million Instagram followers, has been arrested following accusations of hate speech against the Amazigh community.
Complaints from individuals and human rights organizations allege that his online content incited hatred and discrimination.
During a livestream, El-Malki stated, “An Amazigh remains just an Amazigh, with a small and meager brain,” sparking outrage.
The controversy escalated after the video went viral, dividing public opinion. Many condemned his remarks as anti-Amazigh hate speech, while some defended them as attempts at dark humor.
Rachid Bouhaddouz, an Amazigh political and cultural activist and one of the plaintiffs, dismissed the humor defense. “We must not trivialize such statements or dismiss them as dark humor,” Bouhaddouz told RFI news outlet. “Morocco is a united country. Cultural or regional differences cannot disrupt our cohesion and weaken our sense of belonging.”
Plaintiffs’ lawyer Mohamed Almou also raised concerns about the influence of El-Malki’s remarks on his young audience, citing the responsibility that comes with his platform.
The controversy has reignited scrutiny of El-Malki’s criminal history.
Earlier this year, he served three months in prison for assault with a deadly weapon and theft. His recent selection as captain of Morocco’s team in the Kings League World Cup has drawn criticism in light of his actions.
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