A shocking incident has emerged involving Moroccan YouTuber Ayoub Ben Nesnes, popularly known as Ben Nesnes, who is currently facing legal repercussions after being arrested for skinning, cooking, and consuming stray dogs on camera. His controversial actions, which he claims were a form of protest against rising meat prices, have ignited public outrage and discussions surrounding ethics and animal rights.
As one of Morocco's most-followed YouTubers with over 2 million subscribers, Ben Nesnes had built a significant online presence before his arrest on Friday. In a now-infamous video, he showcased the preparation of a stray dog, suggesting it could serve as an alternative to the traditional sheep slaughtered during the Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha. The video gained nearly 200,000 views in a short span, drawing both attention and condemnation.
In light of the backlash, Ben Nesnes issued a subsequent video denying allegations of killing the dog, claiming he found the animal already deceased on the roadside after it had been struck by a vehicle. He stated, "The dog that appeared in the video, I didn't kill it. I found it dead on the side of the road after it was hit in a traffic accident. I didn't kill it, so stop saying that I did. Everything is documented, and there's proof." However, his explanation did little to appease authorities.
The police in Temara, a town near Rabat, swiftly acted upon the rising public outcry and issued an arrest warrant for Ben Nesnes. He now faces multiple charges, including disrespecting Islamic values and animal cruelty. Presently, he is being held at El Arjat prison, where the implications of his actions continue to unfold.
The video has sparked considerable backlash from animal protection organizations, with three groups filing official complaints against him. Additionally, notable religious figures have publicly condemned his actions, emphasizing that the consumption of dog meat is against Islamic teachings. Preacher Hamza al-Khalidi notably remarked on the severity of the situation, highlighting the moral and ethical considerations involved.
Ben Nesnes is no stranger to controversy, as he has previously shared videos featuring unconventional food choices, including snake and crocodile meat. The ongoing situation serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with social media influence and the potential consequences of actions taken for shock value.
As reported by yahoo.com.
