Ibtissame Lachgar was sentenced to 30 months imprisonment by the Rabat First Instance Court for “causing harm to Islam” after she posted a picture of herself wearing a shirt claiming Allah (God in Arabic) is a lesbian.
She was also ordered to pay a fine of 50,000 Moroccan dirhams (approximately $5,500).
While Lachgar’s legal team are currently appealing the sentence, the court denied an earlier request to release her on medical grounds as she is receiving ongoing medical treatment.
The August arrest of Lachgar has been widely criticized by human rights group, who argued that authorities were trying to stifle her right to free expression.
“Sentencing an activist to more than two years in prison merely for posting a photo on social media is a huge blow to free speech in Morocco,” said Hanan Salah, associate Middle East and North Africa director at Human Rights Watch. “The authorities should abolish this draconian legislation instead of using it as a tool to violate free speech rights.”
Moroccan penal code can see those who “cause harm” to Islam face penalties of between six months and two years and fines of up to 200,000 dirhams. The punishment can be increased to up to five years and a fine of up to 500,000 dirhams if the alleged offense is committed through print, audiovisual, or electronic media, according to Human Rights Watch.
“Decriminalizing peaceful speech, including laws on blasphemy and insult to religion, should be a top priority for Morocco’s legislature,” Salah said.
Protests and arrests in Morocco
This is not the first time the activist had been charged with a crime while protesting her country’s laws. Lachgar was arrested for organizing controversial events like the “kiss-in” in 2013 following the arrest of three teenagers.
Two teenagers and their friend were arrested for “violating public decency” for posting photos of themselves kissing on social media.
AFP reported that she was arrested, though not prosecuted, in 2016 for disturbing public order, and in 2018 amid a campaign in support of abortion rights.
A 2009 picnic during Ramadan also reportedly resulted in her receiving death threats.