Morocco detains feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar
The International Federation for Human Rights reports that Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame 'Betty' Lachgar remains imprisoned one year after her
Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar, also known as Betty, has been detained for a full year following her conviction for a social media post. The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), through its Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, reports she is held at El Arjat prison near Rabat and faces a severe, worsening health crisis.
On September 3, 2025, the Rabat Court of First Instance sentenced Lachgar to 30 months in prison and a fine. The court convicted her under Article 267-5 of the Moroccan penal code for 'offending Islam.' Her arrest on August 10, 2025, stemmed from a photograph she posted online showing her wearing a t-shirt with the slogan 'Allah is lesbian.'
Deteriorating health in detention
Lachgar's health has seriously declined during her year in prison. She is a bone cancer survivor and has lived with a total humeral prosthesis in her arm since 1996. Medical reports indicate she suffers significant pain from the prosthesis becoming loose at the shoulder and elbow. The FIDH states that without appropriate emergency care, her condition could lead to irreversible consequences. These include potential amputation and life-threatening complications.
An expert medical assessment by the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims (IRCT), concluded on June 10, 2026, highlighted the gravity of her medical situation and her detention conditions. The Observatory notes that after a full year, Lachgar still does not receive medical care commensurate with her needs.
A conviction linked to rights defense
The Observatory states Lachgar's conviction is directly linked to her exercise of free expression and her legitimate human rights work. A co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms (MALI), she has been an activist for women's and LGBTQI+ liberties since the 1990s. The t-shirt she wore features a feminist slogan known since the 1970s and used globally to call for respect for lesbian women's entitlements.
International obligations and calls for action
The FIDH reminds authorities that Morocco is a party to key international treaties. These include the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). Article 19 of the covenant protects freedom of expression, while Article 10 mandates that all detained persons be treated with humanity and respect for their inherent dignity. Morocco is also a party to the Convention against Torture, which obligates states to prevent cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
The Observatory condemns Lachgar's continued detention and expresses deep concern over her health deterioration. It calls on Moroccan authorities to immediately end her detention and guarantee her prompt access to specialized medical care. It further urges authorities to ensure human rights defenders can carry out their legitimate activities safely.
A specific appeal is made to Morocco's National Human Rights Council (CNDH). The Observatory enjoins this independent national institution to urgently examine Lachgar's case. It should visit El Arjat prison to verify her detention conditions and effective access to medical care. The council is urged to take all measures within its mandate to protect her physical and psychological integrity.
