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Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) has strongly condemned the Casablanca Criminal Court's ruling on December 10, 2024, sentencing Moroccan activist Ismail Al-Ghazawi to one year in prison and imposing a fine of 5,000 dirhams.
Al-Ghazawi is a prominent figure in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement, and the court's decision has been characterized as a severe infringement on freedom of expression and a criminalization of peaceful solidarity with the Palestinian cause.
Al-Ghazawi was summoned by the National Brigade of Judicial Police in November 2024 and held in custody before facing the public prosecutor. Despite his defense team's requests for temporary release, the court denied these pleas multiple times, delaying the trial until December 3, 2024. The final verdict delivered on December 10 has sparked outrage among human rights advocates.
Moroccan human rights groups, including the Moroccan Association for the Support of Political Prisoners, have strongly criticized the court's decision, describing it as an unjust attempt to restrict free speech and punish those who express support for the Palestinian cause or oppose normalizing relations with the occupying power. Additionally, the organization Attac Morocco stated that this ruling represents a manifestation of injustice and is part of broader efforts to criminalize solidarity with the Palestinian people while silencing voices that oppose normalization with the occupation.
WJWC emphasizes that the ruling against Al-Ghazawi violates the Moroccan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and contradicts Morocco's commitments to international human rights standards—most notably Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The BDS movement criticized the prosecution for failing to specify the "nature of the felony or misdemeanor" Al-Ghazawi allegedly incited, arguing that this lack of clarity undermines the legal basis for his prosecution.
The BDS movement, which advocates for Palestinian rights globally, asserts that Al-Ghazawi's arrest and the accusations of "incitement" represent a blatant violation of human rights. They view this as an attempt to curb freedom of expression and distort the legitimate struggle against normalization with Israel and its occupation. The movement insists that these unfounded accusations aim to silence advocates for justice and accountability regarding Israel's military actions against Palestinians.
WJWC has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Ismail Al-Ghazawi, along with all prisoners of conscience in Morocco. The organization emphasizes the need for the government to respect fundamental rights and freedoms, particularly freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest, in accordance with Morocco's international commitments. Additionally, WJWC is demanding a comprehensive review of Al-Ghazawi’s case and the dismissal of all charges that infringe upon his right to express himself peacefully.
WJWC strongly back all voices championing human rights and justice, rejecting any normalization that threatens these ideals. Targeting activists and restricting their freedoms not only violates their fundamental rights but also fosters impunity and undermines the integrity of the justice system.
