On July 12, Franco-Moroccan investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet was detained at Tangier Airport upon his arrival in Morocco. Three days later, judicial authorities in Casablanca ordered his release, restoring his seized devices and granting him temporary freedom. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the decision while stressing the importance of closing the pending investigation.
Legal scrutiny persists despite temporary freedom
The Casablanca prosecutor’s office confirmed that Ali Lmrabet was released on July 15 after questioning, with his possessions—two laptops, a storage device, and a smartphone—returned. However, the investigation continues, and technical assessments will be conducted before any final legal measures are determined.
The prosecutor’s statement underscored that the case remains active, raising concerns about potential future action against the journalist for alleged online defamation of individuals and institutions.
Lmrabet denies wrongdoing, reaffirms commitment to independent journalism
In his first public remarks since his detention, Ali Lmrabet maintained his innocence, stating:
“I am a journalist, not a politician. I answer to no party or ideology—only to international press standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, insult, or harm to individuals, whether in France, Spain, or Morocco. The fact that my work challenges certain state or security structures seems to bother many, but this is my profession. I live by it, and I practice responsible journalism.”
His wife, Laura Feliu, echoed his stance, calling the arrest unlawful and demanding the case be dropped entirely. She emphasized that the allegations pertain to actions allegedly committed outside Morocco, making the detention even more unjustified under national law.
Morocco’s press freedom ranking highlights ongoing challenges
Morocco ranks 105th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index, reflecting persistent hurdles for independent reporting in the country. The case of Ali Lmrabet underscores these concerns, as authorities continue to use legal tools to pressure critical voices.
RSF reiterated its call for Moroccan officials to drop all charges, warning that prolonged legal harassment could further erode press freedoms in the region.
