Activist sentenced to 30 months imprisonment for blasphemy charges, identified as a feminist advocate.
In a controversial ruling, the Rabat first instance court has handed down a 30-month prison sentence to Ibtissame Lachgar, a prominent Moroccan feminist activist. The sentence was issued on charges related to a social media post that some deemed offensive to Islam.
The post in question, made in late July, featured a photo of Lachgar wearing a t-shirt with the phrase "Allah is lesbian". The t-shirt also bore a feminist slogan against sexist ideologies and violence against women.
Lachgar, who co-founded the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms (MALI) in 2009, has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and has led several high-profile campaigns against violence against women and pedocrime.
The sentence has sparked controversy and concern, with the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH) expressing their disapproval. They consider the trial an attack on freedom of expression.
This is not the first time Lachgar has faced altercations with authorities. Previous incidents in 2016 and 2018 did not result in charges being filed against her. However, her current imprisonment at the El Arjat prison near Rabat has been ongoing since August 12.
Lachgar's lawyer, Mohamed Khattab, has announced his intention to appeal the decision. Additionally, Lachgar's other lawyer, Naima El Guellaf, has stated that Lachgar is being treated for cancer and needs a critical operation on her left arm in September.
The activist was fined 50,000 Moroccan dirhams, approximately $8,000 CAD, as part of the sentence. Despite the challenges, Lachgar's supporters continue to rally for her release and the protection of freedom of expression in Morocco.
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