Rabat – Moroccan rapper and activist Mehdi El Youbi, better known by his stage name Mehdi Black Wind, has been placed in custody in Morocco.
Several of his relatives and fellow artists announced the news.
El Youbi is known by his outspoken criticism against corruption.
Mehdi Black Wind is considered one of the veteran voices of Morocco’s conscious rap scene.
Although he currently lives in southern France, he has traveled to Morocco in recent days for professional reasons.
According to his relatives, the rapper was preparing to return to France when he was stopped at the airport and prevented from leaving the country.
Authorities reportedly handed him a summons to appear before Morocco’s National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ).
In a statement shared on social media by Moroccan rapper Khtek, Mehdi Black Wind presented himself at the BNPJ headquarters on July 13, at around 9:30 a.m.
The statement says that relatives were informed around 9:30 p.m. that he had been placed in police custody and would remain detained pending his appearance before the public prosecutor on July 15.
As of now, the reasons for his arrest have not been officially disclosed. According to the statement, his family and close associates say they have not been informed of any charges.
Speculation has emerged that the case could be linked to the Gen Z 212 online movement, in which Mehdi Black Wind was reportedly active during its social media campaign in October 2025.
Others have suggested that his arrest may be connected to his music, whose lyrics often criticize political and social issues. However, no official information has confirmed either possibility.
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