Rabat court upholds two-and-a-half-year sentence against Ibtissame Lachgar

A Rabat appeals court on Monday, October 6, upheld the two-and-a-half-year prison sentence previously handed to feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar for «offending Islam». Arrested this summer after posting a photo wearing a T-shirt with writing deemed blasphemous, Lachgar was also fined 50,000 dirhams. A fine also confirmed in appeal.

One of her lawyers, Ghizlane Mamouni, told AFP that the defense will seek a sentence adjustment and file a cassation appeal, denouncing what she described as «a dark day for freedom» in Morocco.

During the hearing, the defense pleaded for Lachgar’s acquittal or at least a substitute sentence, such as electronic monitoring or community service, so she could receive medical treatment. In remission from cancer, the activist appeared weakened in court, wearing a brace on her left arm. Her lawyer stressed that her condition could worsen in detention, insisting she «has committed no dangerous crime and is no threat to society. She merely expressed herself».

Human Rights Watch had earlier urged authorities to overturn the conviction, calling it a blow to free expression. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) also denounced the case as «political» and an «attack on freedom of expression» following the first-instance ruling.

Lachgar, 50, co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties, remains in detention despite fragile health after cancer treatment. Known as «Betty», she has long been outspoken on women’s and minority rights. While her activism has often drawn criticism from authorities, this is the first time she has faced such a severe sentence.