GADEM warns about anti-migrant hate campaigns on social media

Sunday 07 September 2025 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

GADEM warns about anti-migrant hate campaigns on social media

The Anti-Racist Group for the Defense and Support of Foreigners and Migrants (GADEM) has voiced deep concern over the recent rise of hate campaigns on social media targeting Black non-Moroccan individuals.

In a statement, GADEM strongly condemned the spread of hateful content online, which not only attacks migrants from sub-Saharan Africa but also seeks to undermine civil society organizations defending their rights in Morocco.

According to the group, a particularly aggressive anti-migrant campaign has been circulating for weeks, promoting racist narratives, hate speech, and unfounded accusations aimed at discrediting human rights defenders.

GADEM reported that it has itself become a target of these campaigns. “Some posts use fake identities and illegally employ our name and logo to spread false and misleading content. These actions aim only to fuel hatred,” the association warned.

The organization placed these attacks within a broader regional context marked by the normalization of xenophobic discourse. It pointed to recent incidents in Torre Pacheco, Spain, as evidence that online hate speech can have serious consequences far beyond national borders.

GADEM stressed that racist remarks and calls to hatred cannot be justified as freedom of expression, since under Moroccan law—specifically Article 431-5 of the Penal Code—they constitute a punishable offense.

Rejecting all false accusations and attempts to manipulate public opinion, the association reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to continue its work in legal support, awareness-raising, and advocacy for migrants. GADEM called on civil society and institutions to join forces in building a more inclusive Moroccan society.