Outrageous Ruling in Morocco: 5 Years Behind Bars for Online Critic of Diplomatic Ties with Zionism

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS- In a verdict that has sent shockwaves through the nation, Moroccan justice has sentenced an Internet user to five years in prison for supposedly insulting the monarchy. The individual in question, Said Boukioud, 48, faced charges after expressing criticism of diplomatic normalization with the Zionist entity on Facebook. The severity of the sentence has raised concerns about the suppression of freedom of expression in the country.

Said Boukioud’s lawyer, El Hassan Essouni, revealed that his client was convicted on Monday for his Facebook posts that questioned and denounced the normalization of diplomatic ties with the Zionist entity, a matter that falls under the exclusive domain of King Mohammed VI according to the Moroccan Constitution. The posts, while critical, were not intended to offend the monarch. Boukioud has appealed the decision, seeking justice and protection of his right to freedom of speech.

The diplomatic normalization between Morocco and the Zionist entity took place on December 10, 2020. However, this shameful decision has been the subject of debate and disagreement within Morocco. Said Boukioud’s case reflects the broader issue of the government’s intolerance towards dissenting opinions, particularly when it comes to matters concerning the monarchy.

El Hassan Essouni, the defense lawyer, expressed disbelief and dismay at the court’s ruling, stating, “The decision is heavy and incomprehensible.” He emphasized that while his client may have expressed his disagreement with the normalization, there was no intention to insult or undermine the sovereign.

The incident dates back to late 2020, when Mr. Boukioud was residing and working in Qatar. Upon learning about the charges brought against him in Morocco, he promptly deleted the contentious posts and closed his Facebook account to avoid any further repercussions.

The court cited Article 267-5 of the Moroccan Penal Code as the basis for Boukioud’s conviction. This article stipulates penalties ranging from six months to two years in prison for anyone deemed to be undermining the monarchical regime. However, the penalty can be increased up to five years if the offense is committed in public or through electronic means. This broad and vague wording has drawn criticism from human rights defenders who argue that it hampers freedom of expression and fails to specify concrete criteria for what constitutes an attack on the monarchy.

International human rights organizations have raised concerns about the erosion of freedom of expression in Morocco. The harsh sentence handed down to Said Boukioud further exemplifies the urgent need for legal reform to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and ensure an open and democratic society.