Moroccan authorities have detained prominent human rights activist Fouad Abdelmoumni on charges of false reporting and spreading misinformation online.
The arrest occurred on Wednesday, and Abdelmoumni is currently in police custody.
A Casablanca prosecutor confirmed the arrest, stating that the investigation into the allegations is ongoing.
The charges stem from a Facebook post by Abdelmoumni, in which he claimed, without providing evidence, that Morocco was using migration, intelligence, and espionage to pressure France.
This post was published during French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent state visit to Morocco, a visit aimed at mending diplomatic ties strained by issues like migration.
Souad Brahma, Abdelmoumni’s lawyer, strongly condemned the arrest, characterizing it as a violation of freedom of expression.
She argues that the activist’s detention is directly linked to his political activism and the opinions he expressed on social media.
The arrest has sparked concerns among human rights organizations and international observers, who view it as a potential attempt to stifle dissent and limit freedom of speech in Morocco.