Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC) expresses its deep concern over the intensifying crackdown on freedom of expression and opinion in Morocco.

A growing wave of arrests, prosecutions, and judicial rulings targeting activists, journalists, and human rights defenders signals a serious deterioration of constitutional protections and a retreat from the state’s international human rights obligations. The renewed reliance on security intimidation and judicial processes to silence critical voices reflects a troubling return to authoritarian tactics.

WJWC strongly condemns the arrest of activist and blogger Saida El Alami, who was detained on July 1, 2025, by undercover officers—less than a year after her release from prison. Her detention followed a series of social media posts in which she criticized the management of public affairs in Morocco and voiced her opposition to normalization with Israel. Authorities charged her with “insulting organized bodies” and “spreading false information,” consistent with a broader pattern of targeting peaceful dissent and punishing opposition to normalization.

This case underscores the continuation of a policy aimed at intimidating independent voices and punishing individuals who express their views through legitimate, non-violent means.

WJWC also expresses deep concern over the sentencing of journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui, whose 18-month prison term and fine were recently upheld by the Rabat Court of Appeal. The case represents a politically motivated attempt to silence one of Morocco’s most prominent independent journalists. El Mahdaoui continues to face additional legal action initiated by the same official body—reflecting a systematic campaign to suppress free and independent journalism.

The organization reaffirms its full solidarity with veteran lawyer and former Bar Association president Mohamed Ziane, who remains in detention since November 2022. Despite his advanced age and deteriorating health, Ziane has been imprisoned following a series of trials on charges including “spreading false information,” “insulting public authorities,” and “embezzlement of public funds.” These proceedings have been widely linked to his public criticism of security institutions and his record of political and human rights advocacy.

WJWC also draws attention to the continued imprisonment of Hirak Rif movement detainees, many of whom have been incarcerated since 2017. Among them is Nasser Zefzafi and a group of fellow activists who have consistently been denied fair trial guarantees. Despite repeated appeals, Moroccan authorities have refused to consider their release or commutation of their sentences—maintaining a punitive stance toward peaceful grassroots mobilization.

The organization further condemns the unjust two-year prison sentence handed down to blogger Radouane Qistit, whose conviction was based solely on his social media posts denouncing the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The case illustrates how freedom of expression is increasingly treated not as a right to be protected, but as a threat to be punished.

WJWC warns that these cases are not isolated. Together, they reflect a broader strategy in which the judiciary is being instrumentalized to silence journalists, activists, bloggers, and opponents of normalization. This misuse of legal tools undermines Article 28 of the Moroccan Constitution and violates Morocco’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among other international agreements.

The organization calls for the immediate release of Saida El Alami and all prisoners of conscience in Morocco. It urges the authorities to end retaliatory prosecutions and the judicial harassment of those exercising their right to free expression. Respect for constitutional freedoms and international human rights standards must be restored—including the right to speak out, criticize, and organize peacefully.

In light of this worsening situation, WJWC calls on the international community—particularly the European Union—to take urgent and principled action. Political and economic engagement with Rabat must be made conditional on respect for human rights and democratic norms. Continued silence from Morocco’s international partners only serves to embolden repression, fuel impunity, and erode any prospects for genuine democratic progress.

Issued by:

Women Journalists Without Chains (WJWC)

July 9, 2025