Moroccan rapper and filmmaker Mehdi El Youbi, widely known as Mehdi Black Wind, has been released from prison after 18 days behind bars.
A court in Casablanca granted the outspoken artist provisional release on Friday July 31, allowing him to leave Oukacha Prison while awaiting his next court appearance on 2 October.
His supporters welcomed the decision but warned that El Youbi still faces criminal charges under Article 179 of Morocco’s Penal Code, which covers insulting a constitutional institution.
If convicted, he could receive a prison sentence of between six months and two years, in addition to a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 Moroccan dirhams (about $2,150 to $21,500).
El Youbi was arrested in Casablanca on 15 July, shortly after he was prevented from returning to France, where he has lived since 2017. Supporters believe his detention was linked to his outspoken political views, music and social media activity.
The rapper first gained prominence during the Arab Spring protests in the early 2010s. His music, known for its direct criticism of political and social issues, quickly drew the attention of Moroccan authorities.
Investigative journalist and human rights activist Omar Radi, who has himself been jailed over his reporting, has described El Youbi as Morocco’s “most outspoken and politically direct” rapper.
His arrest has also reignited debate over freedom of expression in Morocco.
Supporters argue the case reflects a broader crackdown on young activists associated with the Gen Z protest movement, which emerged last year to demand better healthcare, education reforms and wider social change.
According to a statement released by El Youbi’s supporters, around 600 people remain in detention in connection with protests that began in late 2025. Some, they say, are serving prison terms of up to 15 years. Similar figures have previously been reported by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights.
El Youbi appeared before the court without legal representation because lawyers across Morocco are currently on strike. His supporters said that raised concerns about his right to a fair defence.
They also credited international solidarity campaigns and demonstrations held across Morocco, Europe and North America with helping secure his temporary release.