Moroccan Activist Fouad Abdelmoumni Faces Trial

Fouad Abdelmoumni, a prominent Moroccan human rights activist, faces trial on December 2 for charges including spreading fake news and offending national institutions after he accused Morocco of using espionage and migration to pressure France. Arrested on Wednesday and released by Friday, Abdelmoumni's social media posts, made during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Morocco, allegedly undermine the kingdom's interests. Human rights organizations have condemned the charges, arguing that they infringe on international rights to free speech and characterize his arrest as politically motivated harassment. The Moroccan Association in Support of Political Prisoners described the arrest as part of a broader crackdown on dissent and activism. Abdelmoumni's lawyer emphasized that his arrest was a violation of his freedom of expression. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Morocco and France amidst diplomatic efforts to improve relations.