The Quebec Superior Court on Thursday sentenced Moroccan YouTuber Hicham Jerando to one month in jail, 150 hours of community service, and a fine of 10,000 Canadian dollars, following a defamation lawsuit filed by Moroccan judge Abdelrahim Hanin.
The court found Jerando guilty of spreading false accusations and damaging Judge Hanin’s reputation through a series of YouTube videos. The ruling is being hailed as a legal victory for Hanin and a reaffirmation of protections against digital defamation.
Jerando, a Moroccan national residing in Canada, has been at the center of controversy in recent years for what critics describe as “online blackmail” activities.
He reportedly began his life in Canada as an immigrant, attempting various business ventures before pivoting to YouTube, where he gained notoriety for inflammatory content targeting Moroccan officials and institutions.
The recent ruling is not Jerando’s first legal entanglement. He has previously faced absentee rulings both in Morocco and abroad for similar offenses. In a separate case, he was convicted by Canadian courts for defaming Moroccan lawyer Adel Said Al-Mutairi.
Jerando’s actions have drawn condemnation from legal experts and members of the Moroccan diaspora, who warn of the growing misuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation and incite public distrust in legal institutions.
The court’s decision underscores the increasing willingness of international courts to hold digital content creators accountable for cross-border defamation and hate speech.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.