Moroccan Activist Faces Arm Amputation as Health Deteriorates in Prison

Ibtissame Lachgar, a 50-year-old feminist activist imprisoned in Morocco for wearing a T-shirt with the slogan “Allah is a lesbian,” is at risk of losing her arm due to declining health. Sentenced in September 2022 to two and a half years in prison for what authorities deemed offensive to Islam, Lachgar’s situation has become dire as she requires urgent medical attention.

Lachgar, who previously battled bone cancer and now uses a prosthesis for her left arm, suffered a fractured elbow while incarcerated in Salé prison, located near the capital, Rabat. Her lawyer, Ghizlane Mamouni, described the situation as “alarming,” noting that Lachgar’s prosthesis has dislodged and will require complex surgery to address the issue.

In a 2022 social media post, Lachgar wore the controversial T-shirt in solidarity with two LGBTQ+ activists in Iran facing execution. She later shared the image on July 31, 2022, on X (formerly Twitter), with a provocative caption criticizing religious ideologies. In the post, she stated, “You guys are exhausting us with your religious nonsense.” This bold stance has drawn significant backlash, including threats of violence against her.

Lachgar’s activism has not only put her in prison but has also led to intense public scrutiny. Many critics have voiced their disapproval online, with one user stating, “Her freedom is an insult to all Moroccans.” The comment reflects the widespread sentiment among some factions in Morocco regarding her outspoken views on religion.

The legal proceedings against Lachgar began when the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Rabat Court of First Instance launched an investigation into her social media activity. The office condemned her post as offensive to the divine and insulting to Islam, leading to her arrest and subsequent conviction.

Her sister, Siham Lachgar, expressed grave concern for Ibtissame’s health, stating, “This is extremely worrying for her and for our family. She needs very specialist care in France, and without it, the consequences could be catastrophic.” Activist organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have rallied for her release, citing violations of freedom of expression.

Avaaz, part of the “Free Betty” coalition, reports that a petition demanding Lachgar’s release has garnered nearly 400,000 signatures. The group notes that she spent the first five months of her sentence in solitary confinement, enduring harsh conditions including sleeping on a cold floor without a mattress in a cell with a broken window.

Chirinne Ardakani, another lawyer representing Lachgar, emphasized the severity of her situation, stating, “For six months, in blatant violation of international law, Betty has been arbitrarily detained, subjected to inhumane and degrading conditions of detention and deprived of medical care, solely for expressing her freedom of expression and opinion.”

As Ibtissame Lachgar continues to face critical health challenges while imprisoned, her case highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Morocco and raises pressing questions about the treatment of political prisoners in the country.