International human rights organizations are drawing attention to the sentencing of Moroccan activist and human rights defender Fouad Abdelmoumni, who was recently sentenced in absentia to six months in prison for his social media activity. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN) have criticized Morocco’s legal actions against Abdelmoumni, urging for an immediate reversal of his conviction. The activist’s social media posts, which scrutinized the Moroccan government’s relationship with France, led to charges of “insulting public authorities” and “spreading false allegations,” amidst allegations he leveled regarding government surveillance of dissidents using spyware.
Belkees Jarrah, HRW’s Middle East and North Africa Director, lamented the sentencing as part of a systemic suppression of free expression in Morocco, calling it an “outrageous crackdown.” This sentiment echoes broader concerns over the treatment of journalists and human rights activists within the nation. The court found Abdelmoumni guilty despite his absence at the proceedings, also fining him for posts that claimed the government was using spyware against its citizens. Notably, Abdelmoumni’s accusations of digital espionage align with past reports from Amnesty International about the country’s alleged use of Pegasus spyware.
The rights groups are calling on Moroccan authorities to honor their international and domestic obligations, as enshrined in the Moroccan Constitution and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which both advocate for the protection of freedom of expression and privacy.
In response to his sentencing, Abdelmoumni confirmed his intention to appeal the verdict, while a collective of 300 activists and advocates has signed a petition demanding that the authorities overturn the conviction. The case parallels previous contentious legal proceedings in Morocco, such as the sentencing of journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui. The ongoing calls from HRW and DAWN, alongside sustained international pressure, underscore the nuances of Morocco’s handling of free speech and its impact on human rights advocacy.
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