Supporters Say Artist’s Arrest Is Linked to Song Criticising Authorities
Supporters of Moroccan rapper El Mahdi Lyoubi, popularly known by his stage name “Mehdi Black Wind,” gathered outside a court in Casablanca on Wednesday to call for his release.
The rapper was arrested earlier in July and placed in pre-trial detention over a case connected to one of his songs. Supporters claim the song criticised Moroccan authorities and that his arrest is linked to his artistic expression.
The demonstration took place outside the Ain Sebaa court, where protesters carried portraits of the rapper and demanded that he be freed.
Rapper Faces Legal Proceedings
According to Hakim Sikouk, national coordinator of the support committee for El Mahdi Lyoubi, the rapper is being prosecuted under Article 179 of the Moroccan Penal Code.
Sikouk said the article could lead to a prison sentence of up to two years.
“El Mahdi Lyoubi is being prosecuted over a song criticising the authorities in power in Morocco,” he said, adding that the legal action was connected to the content of the rapper’s lyrics.
The case has attracted attention among supporters who argue that artists should have the freedom to express opinions through music.
Supporters Defend Artistic Freedom
Outside the court, demonstrators said the rapper’s arrest was unfair and called for his immediate release.
They argued that musicians and artists should be allowed to address social and political issues through their work without facing legal consequences.
Moroccan rapper Houda Abouz, who attended the protest, said the gathering was not only about supporting Mehdi Black Wind but also about defending the voices of artists.
She questioned why the rapper was being detained, saying that artistic expression should not be treated as a crime.
Supporters described the case as a wider debate about freedom of expression and the role of music in society.
Growing Debate Over Music and Expression
The arrest of Mehdi Black Wind has sparked discussions about the relationship between artists, authorities, and public criticism in Morocco.
Rap music has often been used across the world as a platform for social commentary, with artists addressing issues such as inequality, politics, and everyday struggles.
Supporters of the rapper say his lyrics represent the concerns of some members of society and should be protected as part of artistic freedom.
Authorities have not publicly announced the final outcome of the case, and the legal process remains ongoing.
As the court proceedings continue, supporters of Mehdi Black Wind say they will keep demanding his release while highlighting what they describe as the importance of protecting freedom of expression for artists.
