On Thursday, the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Rabat sentenced Moroccan YouTuber Hicham Jerando, who resides in Canada, to 15 years in prison in absentia. He was convicted of «forming a terrorist group with the intent to plot and commit terrorist acts, as part of a collective project aimed at severely undermining public order through intimidation, threats, violence, and inciting others to commit terrorist acts». This sentence follows a complaint filed against Jerando by Najim Bensami, a former prosecutor at the Casablanca Court of Appeals, according to media sources. Jerando, known for posting videos on social media criticizing Moroccan authorities, is also the main suspect in a harassment and extortion case. The case was launched after a citizen filed a complaint stating that she and her family had been subjected to threats, defamation, and extortion by an organized group. The case made headlines in March as it involves members of Jerando's family, including his 15-year-old niece. Released since then, the minor is accused of «acquiring and providing SIM cards used to carry out acts of defamation, extortion, and threats on behalf of the main suspect».
