Moroccan Activist Ibtissame Lachgar Sentenced to 30 Months for Blasphemy

A Moroccan court sentenced feminist and LGBTQ+ activist Ibtissame Lachgar to 30 months in prison and a 50,000-dirham fine for blasphemy, after she posted a photo wearing a T-shirt saying “Allah is lesbian.” Lachgar, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of MALI, argued the message was political, not offensive. Her defense plans to appeal, citing freedom of expression. The case has sparked debate in Morocco over human rights, freedom of speech, and religious sensitivities.

A Moroccan court on Wednesday handed down a 30-month prison sentence to feminist and LGBTQ+ activist Ibtissame Lachgar, citing blasphemy, according to her lawyer Naima El Geullaf. This ruling comes as part of a broader legal framework in Morocco that criminalizes acts considered offensive to Islam or the monarchy, highlighting the sensitive intersection of religion, politics, and freedom of expression in the country.

Lachgar was convicted for violating a section of Morocco's criminal code that prohibits actions deemed insulting to Islam or the monarchy. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of 50,000 dirhams, equivalent to approximately $5,500, as confirmed by her defense lawyer Mohamed Khattab. The combination of imprisonment and a substantial monetary penalty underscores the seriousness with which Moroccan authorities view offenses tied to religious and national symbols.

Ibtissame Lachgar, who is 50 years old, is a clinical psychologist by profession and a co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms, known as MALI. Over the years, she has emerged as a prominent voice advocating for the rights of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in Morocco, often challenging conservative social norms and advocating for progressive reforms. Her activism has earned her both national attention and controversy, particularly in a country where public discourse around sexuality and religion is heavily regulated.

The arrest that led to her conviction occurred last month after Lachgar shared a photograph online of herself wearing a T-shirt bearing the word "Allah" in Arabic, followed by the phrase "is lesbian." During the hearing on Wednesday, Lachgar appeared visibly fatigued and wore a headscarf. She told the court that her intention was political rather than offensive, emphasizing that the T-shirt was meant to provoke discussion rather than insult Islam.

Her legal team supported her position, arguing that the statement on the T-shirt fell under the rights to freedom of expression. Lawyer Naima El Geullaf told the court, “God is not only for Muslims, but also for Christians and Jews. I don't see any offense to Islam in that publication. I am Muslim myself, and I don't feel offended by it.” This defense highlights a growing debate within Moroccan society about how religious sensitivities intersect with modern ideas of individual rights and expression.

Beyond this case, Lachgar has long advocated for changes in Morocco’s approach to personal freedoms. Over ten years ago, she organized a public demonstration outside the parliament where couples kissed in solidarity with two teenagers facing indecency charges after posting a photo of themselves kissing on Facebook. Her continued efforts to challenge restrictive laws and social norms have positioned her as a key figure in the ongoing struggle for civil liberties in Morocco.

In response to the court ruling, her defense team reiterated that wearing the T-shirt should be considered an exercise of free speech and described the charges as unconstitutional. They have announced plans to appeal the decision, signaling that this case may continue to fuel legal and public debate.

Hakim Sikouk, president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, described the sentence as “shocking” and called it an “attack” on freedom of expression. His remarks reflect the concern among human rights advocates that the case could set a precedent limiting the scope of free speech in the country.

The sentencing of Ibtissame Lachgar has reignited broader discussions about human rights in Morocco, sparking divergent opinions. While some argue that the ruling is a legitimate response to a provocative act, others see it as a serious infringement on democracy and freedom of speech, highlighting the ongoing tension between traditional values and modern rights-based perspectives in Moroccan society. The case has become emblematic of the challenges faced by activists working at the intersection of religion, law, and civil liberties, drawing international attention and further debate about the balance between state authority and individual freedoms.