Following his hearing before public prosecutors on July 15, Ali Lmrabet was released after being held since his July 12 arrest at Tangier airport. His confiscated devices—two laptops, an external storage drive, and a mobile phone—were returned, as confirmed in a prosecutor’s statement the same day. The statement noted that the investigation would proceed, with technical assessments to be conducted before legal measures are finalized.

In a candid account to RSF, Lmrabet emphasized his commitment to professional journalism: “I practice journalism, not politics. I am independent, unaligned with any party or ideology, and adhere to international standards. I have never been convicted of defamation, slander, or harming individuals in France, Spain, or Morocco. My work challenges certain state or security structures, which appears to provoke strong reactions. But this is my profession—I earn a living through it, and I do nothing but professional journalism.”

His wife, Laura Feliu, also shared her perspective: “We believe the prosecutor made the right call. The arrest lacked legal merit and violated even Moroccan law, given that the alleged offenses occurred outside the country. We hope this case is closed permanently so Ali can fully regain his freedom and travel unrestricted, like any Moroccan citizen.”

Renowned for his critical journalism, the Franco-Moroccan reporter was detained at Tangier airport on July 12 and transferred the following day to Casablanca’s National Brigade of Judicial Police, where he was held for questioning under accusations of allegedly spreading defamatory digital content against individuals and institutions.

Morocco currently ranks 105th out of 180 countries in the 2026 RSF World Press Freedom Index.