Moroccan BDS activist faces trial over protest calls

Ismail Lghazaoui, a 34-year-old BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) activist, was arrested in Casablanca on November 19 following his public opposition to Morocco's hosting of two Maersk cargo ships allegedly carrying military equipment to Israel. A Casablanca court has denied him bail and ordered his detention until the hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 26.

According to the Newarab, Lghazaoui faces charges under Article 1-299 of the Moroccan Penal Code for allegedly inciting violence through public statements. The law carries penalties of three months to one year in prison and fines of up to 50,000 dirhams. The global BDS movement and the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) have called for his release.

Thirteen other activists are also facing trial for attempting to block a Carrefour supermarket over its alleged ties to Israeli companies operating in settlements. These individuals have been released pending trial.

Morocco's Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita has stated that the country's diplomatic relations with Israel, established in 2020, do not indicate endorsement of Israeli government policies. Local authorities have restricted demonstrations near French and U.S. diplomatic facilities while generally permitting protests elsewhere.