Influencer arrested at Morocco airport after video criticizing country; authorities cite defamation

A 30-year-old influencer and skincare brand founder, Yass Naubelle, was detained at Marrakech Menara Airport on June 13 as she prepared to fly to France. Moroccan border authorities arrested her based on a national warrant.

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Investigators suspect her of publishing content considered defamatory and offensive toward citizens and public institutions, including law enforcement.

Local sources report Naubelle's arrest followed a TikTok video in which she criticized Morocco's road infrastructure and the behavior of some drivers, as well as certain actions by traffic police. Investigators accuse her of publishing content deemed defamatory and offensive toward citizens and public institutions, including law enforcement.

The video, which has since been deleted, was reportedly filmed during a vacation in Marrakech. In it, the influencer described traffic as chaotic and dangerous, noting vehicles and mopeds operating without safety measures. She allegedly compared the situation to Algeria and claimed some traffic police actions were abusive. These accusations reportedly generated strong reactions online and prompted a national alert, according to local media.

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In the recording, according to reports, the influencer described traffic as chaotic and dangerous, stating that she observed vehicles and mopeds circulating without safety measures.

Naubelle, who has over 20,000 TikTok followers, remains in Moroccan custody. No official charges have been announced, and there is no information on a potential court appearance. The case has drawn attention online, reviving discussions about the legal risks associated with posting critical content while traveling abroad, given the significant variations in public expression laws across countries.

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The case has attracted attention online and has brought back into discussion the legal risks associated with publishing critical content during travel abroad, given that legislation on public expression varies significantly from country to country.