Moroccan rapper gets 8-month prison sentence over criticizing “Israel” normalization

RABAT, March 31 (YPA) – A Moroccan court has sentenced a young rapper, known for criticizing his country’s ties with the Israeli occupation and highlighting government corruption, to eight months in prison, in what observers see as part of a broader crackdown on a new generation of artists.

Suhaib Kabli has gained attention for lyrics sharply critical of Morocco’s 2020 decision to normalize relations under a US-brokered agreement during former President Donald Trump’s administration. His music also tackles declining public services and restrictions on freedom of expression—issues that fueled widespread youth protests over the past year.

According to the Associated Press, Kabli’s lawyer, Mohammed Al-Taifi, said the court last Thursday convicted his 23-year-old client on charges of “insulting a constitutional body,” and imposed a $106 fine.

Al-Taifi noted that the ruling failed to specify which constitutional body was allegedly insulted, pointing to the broad range of institutions that could fall under that category. He confirmed that Kabli would appeal the verdict, particularly after being acquitted of other charges, including insulting public officials and spreading false information.

Dozens of Kabli’s supporters gathered outside the court in the north-central city of Taza during the hearing, holding banners calling for his release.

Human rights organizations have described the case as politically motivated and aimed at curbing freedom of expression.

Among Kabli’s most notable works is the song “No to Normalization,” which reflects his opposition to Morocco’s diplomatic shift under the 2020 agreements—struck in exchange for US recognition of Morocco’s claims over the disputed Western Sahara.

AA