A Moroccan appeals court upheld an eight-month prison sentence against rapper Souhaib Kabli over songs and posts criticising corruption and ties with Israel.
Kabli, performing as L7assal, faced charges of insulting a public body and undermining respect for constitutional institutions, offences carrying sentences of up to four years.
The 23-year-old artist was arrested in March, with proceedings unfolding in his hometown Taza, where his lyrics echoed dissenting voices in Morocco.
His lawyer, Mohammed Taifi, said the ruling reflected “an error of judgment,” insisting Kabli had no intention to offend individuals or state institutions.
Kabli told the court he merely expressed personal opinions, framing his music as commentary rather than provocation, amid tightening scrutiny over dissenting speech.
A member of the Islamist movement Al Adl Wal Ihssane, which is banned yet tolerated, Kabli’s activism has drawn increasing attention from authorities.
Rights groups, including the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, condemned the sentence, describing the case as a political move to restrict freedom of expression.
The decision underscores growing tensions between artistic expression and state authority, as critics warn of narrowing space for dissent in Morocco.