Cartoonist gets 4 years in prison in Morocco for insulting the king: 'Trend of intimidation'

The Moroccan Penal Code prohibits defamation and insults against the king, imposing prison sentences of six months to two years, which can double for online offenses. Cartoonist Mounbir received a fine of 40,000 dirhams and is appealing the ruling. Human rights activists in Morocco advocate for the repeal of laws that restrict freedom of expression and call for clemency for those convicted for social media posts. Mounbir's arrest is seen as part of a troubling trend of intimidation against free speech, with several artists previously convicted for criticizing the government.