Supporters of Moroccan rapper El Mahdi Lyoubi, known by his stage name Mehdi Black Wind, gathered outside a court in Casablanca on Wednesday to demand his release after he was jailed over a case linked to one of his songs.
The artist was arrested earlier this month and remains in pre-trial detention. Supporters say he is being prosecuted because of lyrics that criticise Morocco’s authorities.
Hakim Sikouk, national coordinator of the committee supporting the rapper, said Lyoubi is facing charges under Article 179 of Morocco’s Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of two years.
Outside the Ain Sebaa court, demonstrators held portraits of the rapper and called for his immediate release, arguing that his arrest is an attack on artistic freedom and freedom of expression.
Moroccan rapper Houda Abouz, who joined the protest, said people had gathered not only to support Mehdi Black Wind but also to oppose what they described as an unjust arrest.
“His arrest makes no sense,” she said. “The only reason is that what we say in our music is seen as disturbing. Rappers’ voices and opinions are being targeted.”
The case has drawn attention from supporters who argue that artists should be free to express their views without fear of prosecution.