Moroccan rapper Mehdi El Youbi temporarily released from prison

Outspoken Moroccan rapper and filmmaker Mehdi El Youbi has been granted provisional release from prison in Casablanca, ending an 18-day detention. El Youbi, known by his stage name Mehdi Black Wind, was arrested in mid-July on charges of "insulting a constitutional institution."

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He will not return to Oukacha Prison, where he had been held since 15 July. While we are extremely happy to know that he has been provisionally released, we are now waiting for his next hearing on 2 October 2026.

A judge granted El Youbi's request for provisional release on Friday, according to a statement from his supporters shared with Al Jazeera. He will not return to Oukacha Prison, where he had been held since July 15. His supporters expressed happiness at his release but are awaiting his next hearing, scheduled for October 2, 2026.

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As things stand, Mehdi is still being prosecuted under Article 179 of the Moroccan Penal Code for ‘insulting a constitutional institution.’ He still faces a sentence of six months to two years in prison, as well as a fine of between 20,000 and 200,000 Moroccan dirhams [$2,150 to $21,500].

El Youbi remains prosecuted under Article 179 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which carries a potential sentence of six months to two years in prison and a fine ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 Moroccan dirhams ($2,150 to $21,500). His arrest is believed to be linked to his artistic views and social media posts, particularly those expressed during the Arab Spring era when his politically engaged lyrics gained attention.

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the most outspoken and politically direct Moroccan rapper

Supporters noted that El Youbi's case highlights intensified repression against the Gen Z movement, a youth-led protest movement demanding reforms. They also pointed out that approximately 600 people remain detained since Autumn 2025 for participating in protests. The wave of support following his arrest, including rallies in Morocco, Europe, and North America, is credited with contributing to his temporary release.

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intensified repression linked to the Gen Z movement