Moroccan rapper jailed over video
2012-05-12 08:18
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Morocco
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Casablanca - A Moroccan court on Friday
jailed one of the country's most famous rappers to one year in prison over a
video critical of the police, judicial officials told AFP.
Mouad Belghouat, 24, is known for his
criticism of King Mohammed VI and was arrested on March 28 by plainclothes
officers.
His Casablanca trial was delayed several
times before Friday's verdict, which his lawyer Omar Bendjelloun called
"severe".
He said he would appeal what he called
"a trial against the freedom of expression" and a sentence that also
included a 90-euro fine.
The charge against Belghouat stems from a
YouTube video of one of his songs, which includes images of Moroccan police
officers.
New York-based rights group Human Rights
Watch said last month Belghouat "denies any link with this video, saying
unknown people made the montage of photos and music using a separate recording
of the rapper performing the song 'The Dogs of the State'."
The song is one of the most famous of the
February 20 protest movement that is calling for far-reaching political reforms
and anti-corruption measures in the north African monarchy.
Belghouat, nicknamed "Al-Haqed"
('the Vengeful One' in Arabic), performs songs critical of the monarchy that
deal with themes of injustice and inequality.
One of the most famous songs openly
criticises the king and his fortune.
Mohammed VI offered significant reforms
curbing his near absolute powers in a bid to preempt the Arab Spring protests
that last year felled leaders in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya, but still faces
calls for deeper reforms.
During the last hearing before the verdict,
the court had ordered a supporter of the rapper, Maria Karim, to be arrested
and remanded in custody for "insulting" the police attorney.
The court decision led to the defence to
withdraw.
