The French-Moroccan investigative journalist Ali Lmrabet regained his freedom on July 15 after a three-day detention. The decision came after his hearing before the Casablanca public prosecutor, who ordered his release while confirming that the investigation into alleged defamatory digital content would continue.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomed the move but emphasized that the charges against Lmrabet remain pending. “We welcome the release of Ali Lmrabet and the return of his seized equipment,” stated Oussama Bouagila, RSF’s North Africa bureau director. ‘However, this does not resolve the ongoing investigation into his alleged dissemination of defamatory digital content. RSF urges Moroccan authorities to drop these charges entirely.’

Prosecutor’s decision and ongoing legal concerns

Upon his release, Lmrabet’s confiscated devices—two computers, a storage drive, and a smartphone—were returned. Yet the prosecutor’s statement made clear that technical analyses would proceed, with ‘appropriate legal measures’ to follow. The journalist was initially arrested on July 12 at Tangier Airport before being transferred to Casablanca’s National Brigade of Judicial Police.

Lmrabet’s defense: A career built on independent journalism

Ali Lmrabet denied any wrongdoing, asserting his commitment to professional journalism. ‘I adhere strictly to international standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, slander, or harming individuals—whether in France, Spain, or Morocco,’ he told RSF. ‘My work exposes uncomfortable truths for state and security structures, but that is the essence of journalism.’

His wife, Laura Feliu, echoed his stance, calling the arrest ‘unfounded and legally baseless,’ particularly since the alleged offenses occurred outside Morocco. ‘We urge authorities to close this case permanently and restore his full rights, including unrestricted travel,’ she said.

Morocco’s press freedom ranking under scrutiny

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about press freedom in Morocco, which ranks 105th out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2026 World Press Freedom Index. Critics argue that legal harassment of journalists remains a tool to silence dissent.