Actualités

RSF welcomes Ali Lmrabet’s release but warns over ongoing investigation

By nigerreport / July 14, 2026

RSF welcomes Ali Lmrabet’s release but warns over ongoing investigation

The franco-Moroccan investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet was released on July 15th after being detained at Casablanca’s correctional court prosecutor’s office. Though Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomes this decision, it remains cautious about the continuation of the ongoing investigation as announced by the public prosecutor.

“We welcome the release of investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet and the return of his equipment. However, this outcome must not overshadow the fact that the investigation against him remains open and the charges of ‘alleged dissemination of digital content deemed defamatory against individuals and institutions’—which target his journalistic work—have not been dropped. RSF will remain vigilant and urges Moroccan authorities to close this case definitively.

Oussama Bouagila
North Africa Bureau Director, RSF

Ali Lmrabet regained his freedom on July 15th following a hearing before the public prosecutor. The prosecutor’s office in Casablanca decided to release the journalist, who was detained on July 12th at Tangier’s airport. According to the prosecutor’s statement, the seized belongings—two laptops, an external storage device, and a mobile phone—were returned to him. The statement, however, clarified that the investigation continues, with technical analyses underway and “appropriate legal measures” to be taken upon completion of the procedure.

Upon his release, Ali Lmrabet shared a candid account with RSF: “I am a journalist, not a politician. I am independent—unaffiliated with any party or ideology—and I adhere to international journalistic standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, slander, or harming individuals, whether in France, Spain, or Morocco. The fact that I practice independent journalism, which challenges certain state or security structures, seems to disturb many. But this is my profession—I earn my living from it—and I only engage in professional journalism.”

His wife, Laura Feliu, also commented on the decision: “We believe the prosecutor made the right call. This arrest was unfounded and unlawful, even under Moroccan law, especially given the circumstances—particularly the fact that the alleged offenses were purportedly committed outside Moroccan territory. We now hope this case will be permanently closed, allowing Ali to fully restore his freedom and travel in and out of the country freely, like any other Moroccan citizen.”

A prominent figure in critical journalism, the franco-Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was arrested on July 12th at Tangier’s airport and transferred the following day to Casablanca’s National Brigade of Judicial Police. He was then placed in custody under an investigation for “alleged dissemination of digital content deemed defamatory against individuals and institutions.”

Morocco ranks 105th out of 180 countries and territories in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by RSF.

You may also like