The Rabat Court of Appeal’s criminal chamber sentenced Hicham Jerando in absentia to 15 years in prison for inciting terrorism and publicly calling for the murder of former prosecutor general Najim Bensami.
The case, which has drawn intense media and legal attention, stems from two complaints Bensami filed in May 2023, one in Morocco for death threats and terrorist incitement, and another in Canada seeking damages for threats and defamation.
According to court findings, Jerando formed a “terrorist group to prepare and commit acts of terrorism” with the explicit goal of destabilizing public order through fear and intimidation.
Among the most chilling pieces of evidence was a recording in which Jerando declared: “Najim Bensami must be killed,” and called“followers of takfiri ideology” to murder Bensami and posted personal photos and details of the former prosecutor and his family online, making them identifiable to extremist groups.
The court concluded that Jerando’s statements amounted to clear incitement to terrorism, pointing to his references to “lone wolf” attacks, a strategy often promoted by jihadist organizations.
In one message cited in court, Jerando urged the public to “execute Najim Bensami, bring him back to life, and execute him again,” a call that the judges saw as a direct provocation to violence.
Following Jerando’s online campaign, Bensami reportedly received a flood of death threats, some signed by groups claiming ties to terrorist networks.
One letter delivered to his Moroccan home threatened to “bury him alive” and to behead his entire family.
Legal observers say the ruling sends a strong message that Morocco’s justice system is determined to protect public officials from intimidation and extremist violence.
Legal proceedings continue in Canada, where Jerando has already been ordered to remove defamatory videos in a separate case. The outcome of the Canadian lawsuit is expected to further test the international dimensions of prosecuting online incitement and cross-border threats.
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