On 16 October 2025, Alkarama referred the case of Ms. Saida EL ALAMI to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD), a Moroccan blogger and human rights activist actively engaged in defending fundamental freedoms. Very active on social media, she regularly denounces human rights violations and comments on political and social developments in Morocco.
Her activism has led to repeated targeting by the authorities, notably for her peaceful criticism of institutions and security forces.
Abducted In the Street
On 1 July 2025, Ms. EL ALAMI was abducted in the street in Casablanca by plainclothes police officers, without a warrant or explanation. Her detention was only acknowledged 24 hours later, after her worrying disappearance had been reported by her family. This arrest followed a live video she broadcast during a protest held after the death of a detainee due to poor prison conditions, in which she denounced the authorities’ responsibility.
During her detention and interrogation, she was denied access to a lawyer and was not allowed to read the transcripts of her hearing, which she refused to sign. She was charged with “spreading false allegations” and “insulting public institutions,” accusations directly linked to her publications on social media.
Her trial before the Casablanca Court of First Instance marred by violations of international fair trial standards and repeated unjustified adjournments resulted, on 16 September 2025, in her sentencing to three years’ imprisonment.
Targeted for Her Peaceful Activism
Since being incarcerated in Oukacha Prison in Casablanca, Ms. EL ALAMI has been subjected to abuse by co-detainees reportedly used by the prison administration. After denouncing this ill-treatment and launching a hunger strike, she was placed in disciplinary solitary confinement. She was only able to contact her family twenty days after her arrest, and visits remain limited and irregular.
Alkarama Seizes the Working Group
Mandated by Ms. EL ALAMI’s family, Alkarama filed a complaint before the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD).
In its submission, Alkarama demonstrated that Ms. EL ALAMI’s detention constitutes an arbitrary deprivation of liberty solely motivated by her peaceful exercise of the right to freedom of expression and her civic engagement. This targeted persecution reflects a clear intention by the authorities to silence her because of her views and activism and is part of a broader context of repression of any critical voices in the country.
Denouncing serious violations of her fundamental rights, Alkarama called for Ms. EL ALAMI’s unconditional release and for recognition of the arbitrary nature of her deprivation of liberty.