What's happened
Moroccan activist Ibtissame Lachgar was sentenced to 30 months in prison for posting a social media photo wearing a T-shirt with a provocative message. Her health is deteriorating in detention, and her legal team plans to appeal. The case highlights ongoing issues with free speech and religious norms in Morocco.
What's behind the headline?
Morocco's use of blasphemy laws to imprison Lachgar exemplifies the country's broader repression of free expression. The case underscores how legislation criminalizing 'offending Islam' is exploited to silence critics and activists, especially those challenging religious or social norms. Her deteriorating health in detention highlights the human cost of such policies. International obligations, like the ICCPR, explicitly oppose blasphemy laws, yet Morocco continues to enforce them, risking further international criticism. The case also reveals a societal divide: while some see her actions as provocative, others view her as a defender of fundamental rights. The outcome will likely influence future activism and legal reforms, with potential international pressure mounting for decriminalization of peaceful speech.
What the papers say
All Africa reports on Lachgar's sentencing and her health concerns, emphasizing the legal and human rights implications. The New Arab highlights the broader crackdown on social media content and the targeting of activists under vague morality laws, framing her case within Egypt's wider repression. The Independent provides detailed background on her activism, her provocative actions, and the societal polarization in Morocco, illustrating the complex landscape of free speech and religious sensitivities. AP News and other sources confirm her health issues and the court's rejection of her medical release, emphasizing the ongoing legal battle and the international attention her case has garnered.
How we got here
Lachgar, a prominent feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, was arrested after posting a photo of herself wearing a T-shirt with the words 'Allah is lesbian.' She was convicted of violating laws against offending Islam and the monarchy, which are often used to suppress dissent. Her activism includes campaigning for decriminalization of sex outside marriage and supporting women's rights, often provoking conservative backlash.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s the story behind the Moroccan activist and her controversial shirt?
The case of Moroccan activist Ibtissam Lachgar has sparked intense debate about free speech, religion, and activism in Morocco. Her conviction over a T-shirt bearing the phrase 'Allah is Lesbian' has raised questions about the limits of expression in conservative societies. Below, we explore the details of her case, how Moroccan laws are evolving, and what this means for activism and free speech in the region.
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What Are the Implications of the 'Allah is Lesbian' Case in Morocco?
The recent conviction of Moroccan activist Ibtissam Lachgar over her social media post wearing a T-shirt with the phrase 'Allah is Lesbian' has sparked widespread debate about free speech, religious norms, and human rights in Morocco. This case raises important questions about the limits of activism in conservative societies and the potential impact on future legal and social policies. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this controversial case and what it means for free expression in Morocco.
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Why Was Ibtissame Lachgar Sentenced in Morocco?
The case of Ibtissame Lachgar has sparked international concern over free speech and activism in Morocco. She was sentenced to prison after posting a social media photo with a provocative message, highlighting the ongoing restrictions on dissent and the risks faced by activists, especially those supporting LGBTQ+ rights. Many wonder what her case reveals about Morocco's legal and social climate, and what it means for freedom of expression in the country. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding her sentencing and its implications.
More on these topics
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Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to th
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Ibtissam "Betty" Lachgar, also spelled Ibtissame (Arabic: ابتسام لشكر) (born in August 1975) is a Moroccan developmental psychologist, feminist, human rights activist, and LGBT advocate. She's the co-founder of the MALI Movement (Mouvement alter