Moroccan blogger sentenced for 'attacking Islam' through 'online sarcasm'

A Moroccan court of appeal confirmed Tuesday evening a heavy prison sentence against a Moroccan blogger over  "undermining the Islamic religion" through online posts, reported AFP Wednesday.

Last month, Fatima Karim, a 39-year-old Moroccan blogger, was sentenced to two years in prison for "electronically attacking religion" by sharing sarcastic comments on verses of the Quran and hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad- texts that are considered sacred in the Muslim tradition.

"The Court of Appeal of Khouribga sentenced Fatima Karim to two years in prison, confirming the judgment of the first instance," the blogger's lawyer, Habib Aadi, told AFP.

Fatima's lawyer said, "The verdict was very harsh" and the appeal in cassation is "still under consideration."

In the trial, Fatima asserted her right to freedom of expression, guaranteed by the Moroccan constitution. She also publicly apologised to "anyone who felt offended" by her publications, assuring that she never intended to undermine Islam, the state religion in Morocco.

The blogger, who was based in Oud Zem, 96.7 kilometres away from Casablanca, describes herself as a secular person who supports the separation of religion and the state or political power.

The charge was triggered by the public prosecutor.

Article 267-5 of the Moroccan Penal Code, under which Fatima Karim was convicted, punishes from six months to two years in prison "anyone who undermines the Islam religion".

Under the article, Moroccan courts can hand sentences ranging from six months to two years in prison, in addition to fines between MAD 20,000 (US$1,916) and MAD 200,000 (US$19,163).

Under the official national motto "God, Nation, King", the Moroccan code punishes by prison or fines for a range of offences that include offending the king or members of his family, causing prejudice to the monarchic regime, Islam, or Morocco's territorial integrity.

Human Rights Watch says the Moroccan code emboldens the state to sabotage freedom of speech.