This morning, the Kenitra primary court delivered a verdict acquitting human rights activist and journalist Youssef El-Hirech of charges related to insulting institutions. This decision comes after the public prosecutor's office initiated proceedings against him in late 2024, following a Facebook post he made. In a post on his Facebook page, El-Hirech's lawyer, Rachid Ait Belarbi, explained that Youssef El-Hirech «expressed his viewpoint responsibly in the post, which reflected his hopes as a concerned citizen engaged in his country's public affairs». He added, «This is precisely what we highlighted in our defense, demonstrating that the post was a responsible opinion, protected under the constitution and international human rights agreements, and did not contain any language or actions that could be interpreted as insulting to any institution or organized body». Ait Belarbi further noted that the prosecution was initiated after Youssef El-Hirech received a royal pardon on Throne Day in July 2024, even before a final judgment was rendered, following charges brought against him in March 2024 for the same accusations, along with other misdemeanors, while he was in detention. The incident that led to these charges dates back to 2022. It's important to mention that the Kenitra primary court had previously sentenced El-Hirech to one and a half years in prison on May 9, 2024, following his detention over a social media post considered offensive to the United Arab Emirates. However, in July 2024, he was granted a royal pardon during Throne Day celebrations.
