Morocco releases journalist Ali Lmrabet, resident of Barcelona, detained since Sunday

BarcelonaThe Moroccan journalist Ali Lmrabet, a resident of Barcelona, who had been detained since Sunday, has been released, as communicated by the Public Prosecutor's Office. "After reviewing and studying the various procedural documents, completing the investigation, and carrying out the necessary technical tests, the Public Prosecutor's Office has decided to release the individual; and to return the items that were confiscated from him, namely, two computers, a storage device, and a mobile phone," the statement details. It is not clear whether the charges against him have been dropped or if he will be allowed to leave the country.

Lmrabet was arrested on Sunday after landing at Tangier airport, on charges of defamation and slander against institutions, and was transferred to Casablanca, a detention that triggered rejection from professional organizations, such as the College of Journalists of Catalonia, the Association of Investigative Journalists, Reporters Without Borders, or the International Council for the Protection of Journalists, as well as academic and human rights institutions.

Lmrabet, 66 years old, lived in self-exile in Barcelona, after Morocco banned him from practicing journalism between 2005 and 2015, and shut down the two weeklies he had founded, on charges of "insulting the king," among other offenses. He was imprisoned in 2003 and released by royal pardon. Lmrabet is one of the most knowledgeable and critical voices of the Moroccan authorities, and practices rigorous and documented journalism, in recent years, from his YouTube channel, where he has 125,000 followers.