Jailed Moroccan rapper “prisoner of conscience”: rights group
A picture taken on September 11, 2011 shows a young Moroccan holding a banner as he demonstrates in Rabat, during a protest called by the country’s youth-based ‘February 20’ Movement to demand political and social changes and the release of Moad Al-Haqed. Rapper protester and ‘February 20’ Movement activist, Moad Al-Haqed, has been detained for four days, after he has been charged of the aggression of a counter demonstrator, his lawyer said.
Is he guilty of assaulting a monarchist or just damning anti-monarchy lyrics?
The trial of Moroccan rapper Mouad Belrhouat — also known as El-Haqed, or "The Sullen One" — has begun in Casablanca, Reuters reports. He is being charged with assault after reportedly injuring a monarchist in a brawl.
But Belrhouat, who writes rap songs with searing commentary critical of the Moroccan king, is a political pawn for a regime cracking down on dissent, Morocco's most prominent rights group says.
The story you just read is accessible and free to all because thousands of listeners and readers contribute to our nonprofit newsroom. We go deep to bring you the human-centered international reporting that you know you can trust. To do this work and to do it well, we rely on the support of our listeners. If you appreciated our coverage this year, if there was a story that made you pause or a song that moved you, would you consider making a gift to sustain our work through 2024 and beyond?