Tangier court issues suspended sentence in controversial Eid video case

A Tangier court has handed a one-month suspended prison sentence and a 1,000-dirham fine to a young performer at the center of the controversial “Tassa Video” that circulated widely during Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the popular Bir Chifa neighborhood.

The defendant, a nightclub entertainer in the northern Moroccan city, was found guilty of public indecency and incitement to moral corruption. The court also ordered the return of his bail, minus the fine and legal costs, according to a ruling issued late Tuesday by the Tangier First Instance Court.

The case drew national attention after the viral video — which showed the artist singing provocative lyrics to a crowd, many of whom were minors — sparked widespread criticism and prompted swift action from local authorities.

The performer was initially charged with public indecency and incitement of minors to engage in prostitution under Article 502 of Morocco’s Penal Code, which provides for penalties ranging from one month to one year in prison and fines of 20,000 to 200,000 dirhams for anyone found guilty of publicly soliciting individuals for prostitution through speech, gestures, or other means.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office allowed the singer to remain free pending trial in exchange for a 5,000-dirham bail. Despite the leniency of the verdict, legal experts suggest that the prosecution may appeal for a harsher sentence, citing the involvement of minors in the incident.

In response to the controversy, Tangier’s local authorities issued strict directives to district administrators and municipal officials, prohibiting any public festivities or religious holiday celebrations without prior authorization. The move aims to prevent similar incidents, which some viewed as an affront to public morals and religious sensitivities.

The video’s content — viewed by many as “lewd” and “immoral” — reignited debates in Morocco over freedom of expression, cultural values, and the role of social media in regulating public behavior. The incident also underscored growing concerns about underage exposure to adult-themed performances, particularly during religious observances.