Moroccan Feminist Arrested and Threatened With Stoning Over Controversial ‘Allah Is a Lesbi@n’ T-Shirt
In a case that has ignited global debate about freedom of expression, Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar has been arrested after posting a photo of herself wearing a T-shirt bearing the words “Allah is a lesbi@n.”
Authorities in Morocco say the slogan is offensive to Islam and violates laws against insulting religion. The Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Rabat Court of First Instance confirmed that Lachgar was taken into custody on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as part of an urgent investigation. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Authorities Launch Urgent Investigation
In a statement released to the press, the prosecutor’s office explained:
“Following a woman’s posting of a photo on her social media account, which depicts her wearing a shirt with phrases offensive to the divine, along with a caption insulting Islam, the public prosecutor ordered an investigation. Due to its urgency, the subject has been placed under police custody in accordance with the law.”
The arrest comes after Lachgar posted the controversial photo online on July 31, alongside a caption that many have deemed provocative. In the image, she is seen smiling while wearing the shirt, which openly challenges Islamic beliefs.
Lachgar’s Bold Statements Against Religion
Lachgar is known for her outspoken activism on women’s rights, secularism, and LGBTQ+ issues in Morocco — positions that often put her at odds with conservative groups. In her caption, she wrote:
“In Morocco, I walk around with T-shirts bearing messages against religions, Islam, etc. You tire us with your sanctimoniousness, your accusations. Yes, Islam, like any religious ideology, is FASCIST, PHALLOCRATIC, AND MISOGYNISTIC.”
Her statement fueled intense online backlash, with thousands accusing her of Islamophobia and disrespect toward Morocco’s religious values.
Wave of Threats and Online Abuse
Following the post, Lachgar reported that she endured three consecutive days of cyberbullying, including death threats, rape threats, and calls for lynching or stoning. She shared screenshots of some of the most aggressive messages she received, noting that many of them came from anonymous accounts.
One widely shared post from the X (formerly Twitter) account @moufarrid read:
“Our country is in danger; this woman named Ibtissem Lachgar is currently free. She was born in Rabat and currently lives in Morocco. She is a feminist activist, anti-royalist, pro-secularism, and openly Islamophobic. Her freedom is an insult to all Moroccans. She alone is an insult to all the martyrs, our ancestors who proudly fought in the path of Allah to make this country what it is today.”
Public Reaction: Divided Opinions
The case has sharply divided public opinion in Morocco and beyond.
Supporters of Lachgar argue that her arrest is an attack on freedom of speech and expression, particularly in matters of religion and politics. They point to Morocco’s commitments under international human rights agreements as a basis for her release.
Critics, however, insist that her actions cross the line into deliberate provocation and public insult toward Islam, a faith practiced by the vast majority of Moroccans.
Potential Legal Consequences
Under Moroccan law, blasphemy and public insults against Islam are punishable offenses. If convicted, Lachgar could face imprisonment and fines. The investigation will determine whether her post violates criminal statutes, or whether it will be treated as a protected expression under free speech principles.
Global Human Rights Concerns
International human rights organizations are expected to weigh in, as cases involving blasphemy laws often spark concerns over the balance between protecting religious sentiments and safeguarding individual freedoms.
Observers note that this case could set a precedent in Morocco regarding how far public criticism of religion can go before triggering criminal prosecution.
Bottom Line:
The arrest of Ibtissame Lachgar is a flashpoint in Morocco’s ongoing struggle between progressive activism and deeply rooted religious and cultural traditions. As her legal battle unfolds, it will test the country’s commitment to both religious respect and freedom of expression.
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