RABAT, Morocco (AP) \u2014 A Moroccan court sentenced a rapper known for his criticism of the country\u2019s ties with Israel and government corruption to eight months in prison, the latest in a string of penalties against young musical artists.<\/p>\n
Souhaib Qabli\u2019s songs sharply criticize Morocco\u2019s 2020 decision to normalize ties with Israel<\/a> 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\u2019s Gen Z protesters<\/a> last year.<\/p>\n The judge ruled Thursday that Souhaib Qabli, a 23-year-old rapper, was guilty of insulting a constitutional body, his attorney Mohamed Taifi told The Associated Press. Qabli, who is a member of Al Adl Wal Ihsane, a banned but tolerated Islamist association, was also fined $106.<\/p>\n \u201cThe court did not clarify what it meant by a constitutional body. No specific party was identified in the case file, and there are many constitutional institutions,\u201d Taifi said.<\/p>\n Taifi said that his client is appealing the verdict. He also said Qabli was cleared of other charges, including insulting public officials and disseminating false allegations.<\/p>\n Before the public hearing, dozens of supporters gathered outside the court in Taza, a city in north-central Morocco about 162 miles (261 kilometers) from the capital Rabat, holding banners calling for Qabli\u2019s release. Rights groups in the North African kingdom have described the case as a political measure aimed at curbing freedoms.<\/p>\n Qabli, known by the stage name L7assal, was arrested earlier this month and remained in custody until the court delivered its verdict. He was studying refrigeration and air conditioning at a vocational training institute in addition to his music career.<\/p>\n His attorney said that in court, Qabli was questioned about his songs and social media posts. Qabli said he had no intent to insult any constitutional body and was expressing his views through rap.<\/p>\n