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Moroccan Activist Sentenced to ⁤Prison for “blasphemy”

Background: The Case of ibtissame Lachgar

(Beirut) – Moroccan ‍ authorities should urgently overturn the 30-month sentence of an activist convicted on blasphemy charges for wearing a t-shirt authorities deemed offensive, Human Rights Watch said today. The authorities need to ensure that the right to⁤ free expression⁢ is respected.

The activist, Ibtissame Lachgar, was arrested on August 10, 2025, and charged ⁣by the⁣ Rabat First Instance Court ⁢with “causing harm to⁣ Islam” after posting a photo on social media of herself wearing ⁣a shirt with the words “allah is ‍lesbian.” ‍The court found she had violated Morocco’s penal ⁢code and on September 3 sentenced her to 30 months in prison and a fine of 50,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately‍ US$5,500). Her defense team has said ⁤they will appeal. Lachgar remains in detention.