Blogger Held in Morocco Over Traffic Criticism Video

Tourists in Trouble

According to УНІАН — Туризм: Yass Naubel, a 30-year-old French national of French-Algerian descent, was detained on June 13 at Marrakech Airport after posting a video that criticized road conditions and police in Morocco. Authorities accuse her of defamation and insulting citizens and public institutions. The arrest warrant was issued following her online content, where she compared Morocco's traffic situation unfavorably to Algeria's, stating: 'it's not as bad there as it is here.'

Naubel runs a TikTok account with 20,000 followers. In the video, she declared:

'I have never seen people drive like this. It is extremely dangerous-cars, scooters without helmets, with children on board, suddenly changing direction.' - Yass Naubel

Moroccan authorities deemed the video defamatory toward Moroccan citizens and insulting to security forces.

As of the time of this report, no formal charges or court date had been announced for Naubel. She is suspected of disseminating digital content that undermines the authority of a state institution, sparking significant public debate.

This incident highlights the growing friction between state authorities and citizens in Morocco, particularly regarding criticism expressed on social media. The arrest of bloggers and activists for their statements raises serious questions about freedom of speech and human rights in the country. Moreover, such cases could damage Morocco's tourism reputation, as potential visitors may worry about the repercussions of posting on social platforms while in the country.