Moroccan activist arrested after shirt message

A feminist activist is in police custody after posting a photo wearing a shirt that said Allah is a lesbian, sparking online threats and a legal review.

Moroccan Activist Arrested for T Shirt Message Tests Free Speech

A feminist activist in Rabat was taken into police custody after posting a photo of herself wearing a T shirt bearing the phrase Allah is a lesbian. The Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation was ordered urgently and Lachgar was placed in police custody as authorities examine the post and its caption. Lachgar, a developmental psychologist and founder of a rights group, has long campaigned on women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and abortion access. Her post was met with online backlash, including threats and calls for punishment from some social media users. The case sits within a legal framework that critics say curbs expression deemed insulting to Islam or the monarchy and may carry prison terms and fines.

This incident tests how Morocco handles expressions seen as offensive to religion while balancing public order and freedom of expression. The arrest highlights tensions between secular activism and conservative norms, especially when tied to gender and LGBTQ+ advocacy. It also underscores how online hostility can translate into real‑world legal risk for activists. Observers will watch whether due process is observed and whether authorities consider broader rights protections or apply blasphemy provisions selectively. The outcome could influence how reform-minded groups operate in public spaces and on social media.

Highlights

The coming days will reveal whether Morocco can defend individual freedoms while preserving social cohesion.