Moroccan Journalist Ali Lmrabet Detained Upon Arrival from Spain

Critical Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet was detained at Tangier International Airport on Sunday after arriving on a flight from Barcelona. His wife, Laura Feliú, confirmed the detention to EFE, stating that Lmrabet informed her he was being held at the Directorate of Security in Tangier and considered himself "kidnapped."

Moroccan authorities have not yet officially confirmed Lmrabet's detention or provided details on his legal situation. Lmrabet, born in Tetouan in 1959, is recognized as one of the most vocal critics of the Moroccan political system. His journalistic career includes leading publications such as Le Journal and Demain, as well as several satirical magazines that were subsequently banned in Morocco.

In 2003, Lmrabet was sentenced to four years in prison but was released the following year following a royal pardon from King Mohamed VI, which came after a hunger strike and an international campaign for his release. Morocco subsequently banned him from practicing journalism for ten years. Since 2005, he has resided in Spain but frequently travels to Morocco to visit his family.

According to Feliú, this is the first time Lmrabet has been detained in Morocco since moving to Spain. She could not specify the charges leading to his arrest but suggested he might be transferred to Casablanca. In recent years, Lmrabet has contributed to international media outlets in Spain, France, and the United Kingdom, and hosts a podcast on Moroccan politics.