Salafist arrested for incitement to hatred, prejudice to public order

A Salafist, known for his extremist stands, was arrested on Tuesday for inciting to hatred and violence and compromising public order.

An investigation against Abou Naim was opened by the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ), under the supervision of the prosecution, said the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) in a press release.

The individual appeared on a video relayed on social networks and instant messaging platforms making remarks inciting to hatred, undermining the country’s security, and demeaning the measures put in place and the efforts made by authorities to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

In his video, Abou Naim criticized the Moroccan authorities for having ordered the closure of mosques as a measure to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

The DGSN said the man will remain in custody for further investigation to be carried out under the supervision of the prosecution at the Rabat Court of Appeal responsible for terrorism and extremism cases.

 

As of this March 17, Morocco confirmed 38 COVID-19 cases and two fatalities, an 89-year old woman in Casablanca and a 75-year old man in sale. Most cases came from Spain, Italy and France.

 

Morocco was one of the first countries in the world to apprehend the scale of coronavirus outbreak and acted through preventive measures to avert its spread.

The country has shut down whole sectors such as tourism and catering to prevent an outbreak of the virus. It also closed all mosques, synagogues, and many entertainment venues and non-essential shops but kept markets and outlets selling essential goods open. Schools have also been closed and shifted courses online.

 

To counter the spread of coronavirus, buses, trams, cabs, markets, public administrations and public playgrounds will be regularly sanitized, while several public administrations and companies have allowed their staff to work from their homes.