Moroccan feminist and LGBT rights activist Ibtissam Lachgar has been arrested on charges of blasphemy after posting a photo of herself online wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Allah is a lesbian.”
The public prosecutor’s office in Rabat stated that Lachgar spread “insulting statements against God” and insulted Islam, prompting an investigation and her subsequent detention.
Lachgar’s post, made at the end of July, criticized Islam as “fascist and misogynistic,” sparking widespread backlash on social media.
She reported receiving thousands of rape threats, death threats, and calls for stoning. Some users even called for her arrest, with one commenting that she “has decided to go to jail.”
Under Moroccan law, insulting religion can result in imprisonment from six months to two years and fines up to 200,000 dirhams (€20,000). If the insult occurs publicly—including online—the penalty increases to up to five years in prison.
Pre-trial detention lasts up to 48 hours before the court decides on further prosecution.
