- RSF_fr
Franco-Moroccan investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet walked free on July 15, three days after his detention at Tangier airport. Authorities released him following a hearing at the Casablanca Public Prosecutor’s Office, though the case against him remains active.
“We welcome the release of journalist Ali Lmrabet and the return of his confiscated equipment. However, the investigation against him continues, and the allegations of ‘allegedly disseminating defamatory digital content targeting individuals and institutions’ remain unresolved. We urge Moroccan authorities to drop these baseless charges and close this case permanently.”
Morocco’s Public Prosecutor confirmed Lmrabet’s release on July 15 after his July 12 arrest at Tangier’s airport. Authorities returned his seized devices—two laptops, a storage drive, and a smartphone—but stressed that forensic analyses would proceed, with “appropriate legal measures” to follow.
Ali Lmrabet described his ordeal in an interview: “I am a journalist, not a politician. I have no allegiance to any party or ideology—just to international journalism standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, insult, or harming individuals, whether in France, Spain, or Morocco. Independent journalism that challenges state or security structures unsettles many, but it is my profession. I live by it, and I do nothing but professional journalism.”
His wife, Laura Feliu, shared her relief: “The decision to release Ali was the right one. His arrest lacked legal grounds and violated Moroccan law, especially since the alleged offenses occurred outside the country. We hope the case is dismissed so he can regain full freedom, including unrestricted travel in and out of Morocco.”
A prominent voice in critical journalism, Lmrabet was detained at Tangier airport on July 12 and transferred to Casablanca’s Judicial Police Brigade. He was held under investigation for “allegedly disseminating defamatory digital content against individuals and institutions.”
Morocco ranks 105th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index.
