RABAT, Morocco — A Moroccan court sentenced a rapper known for his criticism of the country’s ties with Israel and government corruption to eight months in prison, the latest in a string of penalties against young musical artists.
Souhaib Qabli’s songs sharply criticize Morocco’s 2020 decision to normalize ties with Israel in an accord brokered by the first Trump administration. His lyrics also call out problems with public services and restrictions on freedom of speech, grievances also voiced by Morocco’s Gen Z protesters last year.