The Moroccan Instance for Supporting Political Prisoners announced on Wednesday evening the arrest of its coordinator, Fouad Abdelmoumni. The public prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of First Instance confirmed on Thursday that the activist was detained following a comment he posted on social media. Earlier on Thursday, the prosecutor confirmed the arrest and detention of Fouad Abdelmoumni, coordinator of the Moroccan Instance for the Support of Political Prisoners, for «spreading numerous false information» on social media. A judicial investigation has been launched, particularly for «reporting a notoriously fictitious crime that he knows did not happen». In a statement, the public prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of First Instance announced that the court would manage all investigative procedures conducted by the National Brigade of Judicial Police in this case and would ensure that the necessary legal measures are taken based on the results of the investigation once it is complete. On the night of Wednesday to Thursday, the Moroccan Instance for the Support of Political Prisoners reported the arrest of its coordinator in Rabat, describing the action as a «new authoritarian act» targeting the former political prisoner. According to the organization, the activist was apprehended while en route to a meeting of the instance and was taken to the headquarters of the BNPJ in Casablanca. Shortly before his arrest, Fouad Abdelmoumni had posted comments on social media discussing Morocco's relations with France, the Pegasus affair, and the previous diplomatic crisis between the two countries. His remarks came in the context of French President Emmanuel Macron's state visit from October 28 to 30. Associations and politicians condemn an «arbitrary arrest» In its statement, the Moroccan Instance for the Support of Political Prisoners condemned the arrest as «arbitrary» and part of a series of harassments targeting Abdelmoumni. The organization denounced this move against the activist's «bold stances» in support of «freedom of expression and human rights». Associative and political organizations have also condemned the «arbitrary arrest». The instance characterized the arrest as an «attempt to limit» Abdelmoumni's «central role» as coordinator of the Moroccan Instance for the Support of Political Prisoners, where he is recognized for his relentless fight for justice and rights in Morocco. It noted that, just before the arrest, media outlets reported that the prosecutor had ordered an investigation into Abdelmoumni's statements. The organization described this incident as an «additional escalation in the policy of repression» by authorities against human rights activists and political figures in the country, demanding his «immediate release». On the political front, the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) expressed its «concern» over the arrest of Fouad Abdelmoumni, a member of the party's ethics committee known for his courage in exposing corruption and the embezzlement of public funds. Previously, he served as the secretary general of the NGO Transparency Maroc. The FGD denounced this action as part of a systematic campaign targeting activists committed to freedom, social justice, and human rights, calling it «a serious violation of freedom of opinion and expression against those who challenge corruption and arbitrariness». For its part, the central office of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) condemned the «arbitrary arrest» and demanded the immediate release of Fouad Abdelmoumni. Noting that he is a former president of the NGO, a past member of its administrative committee, and a current member of its advisory committee, the organization believes this arrest stems from his political, associative, and intellectual activities, as well as his efforts to denounce political detentions and support victims. The Moroccan Instance for the Support of Political Prisoners announced that Fouad Abdelmoumni is expected to be brought before the public prosecutor on Friday, November 1, 2024, in Casablanca. Article modifié le 31/10/2024 à 22h07
