Feminist activist Ibtissam Lachgar prosecuted for blasphemy in Morocco

Wednesday 13 August 2025 - 10:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Feminist activist Ibtissam Lachgar prosecuted for blasphemy in Morocco

Feminist activist Ibtissam Lachgar is facing legal action in Morocco over alleged blasphemy, following her arrest by the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ). The Rabat prosecutor’s office has decided to detain and prosecute Lachgar, whose activism and outspoken advocacy for individual liberties have long sparked national debate.

Arrest and allegations

Lachgar, co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties (MALI), was arrested after posting a photo of herself wearing a t-shirt with the phrase “Allah is lesbian.” The post, shared on social media, was accompanied by text harshly criticizing Islam as “fascist, phallocratic, and misogynistic.” This sparked widespread outrage online, with users calling for her arrest.

The Moroccan Penal Code’s Article 267.5 criminalizes attacks on religious constants, prescribing penalties of six months to two years in prison and fines of MAD 20,000 to 200,000 ($2,000 to $20,000). If the offense is committed publicly, such as via electronic platforms, sentences can extend to five years.

Backlash and support

Former Justice Minister El Mostapha Ramid condemned Lachgar’s statements, calling them “intentional offenses to divinity.” He described the publication as a deliberate attack on sacred symbols, arguing that such acts require judicial prosecution under Moroccan law.

On the other hand, Lachgar’s supporters argue that her provocative methods bring attention to the challenges faced by marginalized groups, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and women seeking reproductive rights. They claim her activism has stirred important conversations about freedom of expression and individual liberties in Morocco.

However, criticism of Lachgar’s approach has also emerged from within progressive circles. Some commentators, including journalist Nora Fouari, have questioned the effectiveness of her methods. Fouari argued that provocation must be contextually appropriate and productive, rather than alienating potential allies.

Swiss-based Moroccan activist Kacem El Ghazzali described Lachgar as a “visionary,” noting that her hyperprogressive views often provoke polarizing reactions, even among feminists and secularists. He highlighted her ability to challenge entrenched norms, though he acknowledged her actions have alienated many across the political spectrum.

A history of activism

Lachgar, a clinical psychologist and criminologist, has long been a prominent figure in Morocco’s fight for individual freedoms. She gained international attention in 2013 for organizing a “Kiss-in” protest after Moroccan teenagers were arrested for posting photos of themselves kissing online. She has also been a vocal advocate for abortion rights, LGBTQ+ inclusion, and secularism.

Before her arrest, Lachgar reported receiving thousands of online threats, including death and rape threats, following her controversial social media post.

Public opinion and legal implications

As Lachgar’s trial proceeds, opinions remain sharply divided. Advocates for freedom of expression argue that her prosecution represents an attack on individual liberties, while her critics view her actions as an unacceptable affront to religious values.

The case underscores the delicate balance Morocco seeks to strike between preserving religious traditions and accommodating the growing push for modernity and individual freedoms.