Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet, a prominent critic of the government, has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of insulting public officials and spreading false information, according to reports from human rights organizations. The verdict was delivered on July 15, 2026, just days before his scheduled court hearing, raising concerns about due process.
The case has drawn international attention, particularly due to its timing with the upcoming visit of French Prime Minister to Rabat and the release of a new investigation into the Pegasus spyware scandal. Lmrabet had previously been targeted by Pegasus, as revealed by Amnesty International and Forbidden Stories in 2021.
Lmrabet's lawyer stated that the defense was not given adequate time to prepare, and the verdict appears to have been predetermined. The journalist's family and supporters have called for his immediate release, citing violations of press freedom.
As of July 18, 2026, no official statement has been issued by the Moroccan government regarding the case. The French government has not commented on the matter, but human rights groups are urging international intervention.
