Alleged Abuse Case: Moroccan prison authorities deny any mistreatment of Algerian supporter
Morocco’s prison administration has firmly denied allegations of mistreatment involving an Algerian national currently detained at El Arjat 1 prison, following claims circulated in a video published on YouTube.
In an official statement, the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) clarified that the detainee, identified as Raouf Belkacemi, has been housed in an individual cell since his admission and enjoys full access to the prison’s internal services, including the right to purchase goods from the facility’s commissary.
The administration further noted that a representative of the Algerian consulate deposited funds into the detainee’s personal account, allowing him to meet his daily needs under normal conditions. Authorities described the allegations of abuse and attempted confiscation of personal belongings as unfounded and misleading, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.
Trial Postponed Amid Legal Proceedings
Separately, the Rabat Court of First Instance has postponed Belkacemi’s trial until January 19, granting additional time for the preparation of his defense. He is being prosecuted for behavior deemed inappropriate inside Moulay El Hassan Stadium during a match between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The charges stem from an incident in which the supporter was filmed urinating in the stadium stands during the match. The video quickly spread across social media platforms, prompting public outrage and accelerating judicial proceedings due to concerns over public order and respect for sports venues.
Arrest and Public Reaction
Belkacemi was initially arrested in Casablanca before being transferred to Rabat, where authorities opened an investigation to determine the circumstances and motivations behind the incident. The episode sparked widespread condemnation online, with many users calling for strict enforcement of the law to protect the image of continental sporting events.
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