Legal Troubles for El Mahdi Lyoubi
The Casablanca criminal court's public prosecutor's office has initiated legal proceedings against El Mahdi Lyoubi, better known as the Moroccan rapper Black Wind. He stands accused of "contempt of a constitutional institution," an allegation that has stirred significant attention within the artistic and political communities. As reported by Yabiladi, Lyoubi's recent court appearance on July 15 resulted in a postponement of his trial to July 22. Following his arrest, he was initially held in police custody before being placed in pre-trial detention.
Black Wind's situation intensified last week when he was prohibited from traveling to France and subsequently summoned by the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ) in Casablanca. Known for his outspoken nature and critical commentary on social and political issues, Lyoubi has become a prominent figure among Morocco's Gen Z protest movement, using his art as a vehicle for expression and activism.
International Concern Over Artistic Freedom
In a statement released by Freemuse, an international non-governmental organization advocating for artistic freedom and cultural diversity, they condemned Lyoubi's detention, urging for his release and the immediate dismissal of charges against him. The organization has characterized the circumstances surrounding his arrest as "particularly worrying," especially given the ongoing strike by lawyers in Morocco, which left Lyoubi to navigate the legal proceedings without proper legal representation. Freemuse noted that Lyoubi had traveled to Morocco at the end of June to scout locations for a documentary and was set to return to France on July 10 after spending time with his family and attending a World Cup football match between France and Morocco. Unfortunately, it was during his departure from the airport that he learned of the legal actions taken against him.
As reported by en.yabiladi.com.
