A Rabat Court confirmed in the appeal on Monday, October 6, a sentence of two and a half years in prison pronounced in the first instance against the Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar for “Attack of Islam.”
The 50 -year -old activist, known for his commitment to individual freedoms, had been arrested this summer after having posted on the social networks a photo of her dressed in a shirt where the word “Allah” appeared followed by the phrase “is lesbian”.
The image was accompanied by a text that qualifies Islam, “like any religious ideology,” “fascist, falocrat and misogynist.”
“A black day for freedom in Morocco”
In the courtroom, Sihar Lachgar, one of the activist’s sisters, exploded in sobs before the verdict’s statement. His defense will submit a development request to transform the prison sentence into an alternative sentence, as well as an appeal of cassation, one of his lawyers told AFP, Me Ghizlane Mamouni.
“It is a dark day for freedom in Morocco,” the lawyer continued with great emotion, qualifying the decision of the “disaster” court.
During the audience to which the AFP attended, there had been begs that Ibtissame Lachgar was innocent, or that at least pronounced an alternative sentence (electronic bracelet, work of general interest …) so that it can be treated.
In the referral of cancer, the activist appeared at the weakened audience and with a persistent in the left arm. His lawyer emphasized that his condition would probably worsen arrest.
“We do not understand why it does not benefit from alternative sanctions. It is perfectly eligible. He has not committed any dangerous crime and is not dangerous for society. He only expressed himself,” Mamouni said.
The publication of “Betty” Lachgar had aroused strong reactions on the Internet, including calls for arrest, but also threats of rape and stay.
Fine of 5,000 euros
During the Hearing, the Prosecutor’s Office claimed an increase in the sentence pronounced in the first instance on September 3, speaking of “attack against public order and spiritual tranquility of Moroccans.”
In addition to the prison sentence, Ibtissame Lachgar was also sentenced to a fine of around 5,000 euros for “attack on Islamic religion” for this publication considered “offensive to God.”
Article 267-5 of the Moroccan Criminal Code punishes from six months to two years in prison “anyone that affects the Muslim religion.” A prayer that can be carried to five years if the crime is committed in public, “including electronic means.”
“She expressed an opinion, we can agree with her or not”, but “this strong condemnation” undermines “his freedom of expression,” he told AFP at the exit of the hearing room, Hakim Sikouk, president of the Rabat Section of the Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH).
Before the court retired to deliberate, the activist reaffirmed at the Bar Association, denying any intention to undermine religion. This clinical psychologist also recalled that his shirt took over an existing feminist slogan for years against sexism and violence against women.
Ibtissame Lachgar had also highlighted his state of health and the fact that he had to have an operation in his arm, at risk if he did not have to be amputated. The Human Surveillance Organization had affirmed in mid -September the cancellation of its sentence, qualifying the judgment of “hard blow to freedom of expression in Moroccos.”
Ibtissame Lachgar Co -Asumó in 2009 the alternative movement for individual freedoms (Mali) and conducted several mediated campaigns, particularly against violence against women and the pedocrim.
Source: BFM TV
