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Moroccan Feminist Ibtissam Lachgar Gets 30-Month Blasphemy Sentence Over 'Allah Is Lesbian' Post

Rights groups call the ruling a setback for free expression under Morocco's blasphemy law.

Overview

  • A Rabat court convicted Lachgar of attacking Islam and imposed a 30‑month prison term and a 50,000‑dirham fine, roughly €4,700 to €5,000.
  • The case centers on a July 31 social media post showing her wearing a T‑shirt with the phrase “Allah is lesbian,” which the court deemed offensive to religion.
  • Lachgar told the judge she meant no offense and argued the message was feminist protest, noting she had posted the image before without legal action.
  • She was arrested after police visited her home in Casablanca and transferred her to Rabat, and she reported receiving death threats following the post.
  • Her family says she has cancer in an arm and has faced isolation and delayed medical care in custody, while her lawyers contend the charges violate constitutional free‑speech protections.