About the Case
Ismail Lghazaoui is a Moroccan pro-Palestinian activist, and agricultural engineer who peacefully advocates for Palestinian people's rights. He has been sentenced to one year in prison for his peaceful activism.
Key Information
- Sentenced on December 10, 2024
- One year prison sentence
- 5,000 Moroccan Dirhams fine
- Appeal procedure concluded, sentence reduced to 4 months, 2 of which suspended
- Charged with "inciting to commit felonies and misdemeanors by electronic means"
Case Timeline
February 5, 2025
Release from Prison
Ismail was released from prison after the court of appeals reduced his sentence to 4 months, 2 of which were suspended.
January 29, 2025
Verdict date set
After listening to the defense committee's arguments, the court has set the date for the verdict to Wednesday,February 5th.
January 22, 2025
Hearing adjourned
Even though the hearing was scheduled for 3:00PM, Ismail's defense team, family and friends were kept waiting for more than 8 hours. In the end no hearing was held and the date was rescheduled for January 29th. The request for bail was again denied.
January 19, 2025
Support for Ismail in Washington
Pro-palestinian activists in Washington D.C. called on the immediate release of Ismail Lghazaoui during a protest.
January 16, 2025
Support for Ismail in New York
American pro-palestinian activists organised a protest in the city of New York, calling on the immediate release of Ismail Lghazaoui.
January 15, 2025
Support for Ismail in London
Pro-palestinian activists organised a protest in front of the Moroccan embassy in London in support of Ismail Lghazaoui.
January 15, 2025
New hearing date
After extensive deliberations, the court has scheduled the hearing for January 22nd. The request for bail has been denied once again.
January 8, 2025
Appeal hearing delayed
The date of the appeal hearing was delayed to January 15th.
January 7, 2025
Appeal hearing date set
The date for the first appeal hearing was set for January 8th, and neither the defendant nor the defense committee was informed.
December 30, 2024
Letter from Prison
Ismail wrote a powerful letter from his cell in Ain Sebaa Local Prison, expressing his unwavering resolve and addressing Morocco's stance on Palestine.
December 30, 2024
Written Sentence Released
The written sentence was officially released and sent to defense team
December 10, 2024
Sentenced to Prison
Sentenced to one year in prison and fined 5,000 Moroccan Dirhams
November 21, 2024
Court Appearance
Appeared before the King's Prosecutor, bail request rejected
November 19, 2024
Police Investigation
Summoned to the National Judicial Police Brigade in Casablanca. Placed under custody for 48 hours and interrogated starting from that afternoon.
October 25, 2024
Initial Arrest
Ismail (34) responded to a social media call to protest at the US Consulate in Casablanca against US support for actions in Gaza. He was intercepted by plainclothes police, physically assaulted, and arrested by members of the National Judicial Police Brigade. He was taken to the Casablanca Security headquarters where his identity was recorded before being released later.
Take Action
Share Story
Spread awareness about Ismail's case on social media
Download postcards
Send postcards to moroccan embassies and human rights organizations