Morocco frees journalist Ali Lmrabet but keeps case open

The independent Franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet walked free on Wednesday, July 15, just days after his arrest at Tangier airport. The Casablanca prosecutor’s office ordered his release following a court hearing, restoring his seized devices—two computers, an external hard drive, and a mobile phone. Yet authorities emphasize that the investigation continues, with technical assessments pending before any final legal measures are taken.

Press freedom advocates welcome release but warn of ongoing threats

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) cautiously welcomed Lmrabet’s liberation while stressing that the charges against him—allegedly disseminating defamatory digital content targeting individuals and institutions—remain active. In a statement, Oussama Bouagila, RSF’s North Africa bureau director, underscored the fragility of the situation: “We welcome Ali Lmrabet’s release and the return of his equipment, but this relief must not overshadow the unresolved investigation. The accusations levied against him for his professional journalism remain in place, and we urge Moroccan authorities to dismiss this case entirely.”

Journalist denies wrongdoing, cites harassment

Speaking to RSF shortly after his release, Lmrabet defended his work as purely journalistic, free from political or ideological bias. “I practice journalism to international standards—never have I been convicted of defamation, insult, or harming individuals in France, Spain, or Morocco. My independent reporting, though inconvenient to certain state or security structures, is my profession. I live by it.”

His wife, Laura Feliu, also condemned his detention as legally baseless, noting that the alleged offenses were committed outside Morocco. “The prosecutor’s decision was correct. This arrest violated both Moroccan law and basic rights. We demand the case be closed permanently, allowing Ali to move freely as any Moroccan citizen should.”

Case highlights persistent press freedom challenges in Morocco

Lmrabet’s arrest and provisional release underscore broader concerns about press freedom in Morocco, which ranks 105th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index. His detention began on July 12 at Tangier’s airport, followed by a 24-hour transfer to the National Brigade of Judicial Police in Casablanca for questioning. The case remains open as technical reviews proceed.