Arrest in Rabat of Ibtissame Lachgar for publication deemed blasphemous on social media

On 10 August 2025, members of the National Brigade of Judicial Police (BNPJ) arrested Ibtissame Lachgar, known as “Betty,” at her home in the old medina of Rabat. She is suspected of having posted on social media a photograph of herself wearing a T-shirt bearing an inscription considered blasphemous.

According to a statement from the Public Prosecutor at the Rabat Court of First Instance, the photo published by the suspect was accompanied by a caption containing statements deemed offensive to the Islamic religion and insulting to divinity. Given the seriousness of the alleged acts, the prosecution ordered an immediate investigation.

The accused was transferred to the BNPJ headquarters in Casablanca for the purposes of the investigation. Due to the necessity of the inquiries, she was placed in police custody in accordance with current legal provisions.

Judicial authorities stated that appropriate legal measures will be taken once the ongoing investigation is concluded, and that any person involved in disseminating or promoting content that undermines religious values is subject to prosecution under Moroccan law.