The trial of the social media activist Rashid Lanjari ended with his conviction for public indecency, and he was sentenced to one year in prison.
Lanjari chose to defend himself in light of the lawyers’ strike during the session on Thursday, February 12, where he expressed his repentance for any activities related to social media, asserting that he regretted his actions and stated that he did not intend to offend or negatively influence people by posting pornography.
Tangawa Ratibians
The judge confronted Lanjari with a series of cases he was involved in via social media, including his statement that “Tangawa Ratibians.” The presiding judge considered that the activist deliberately insulted the city and its residents and tried to attribute a label to them to justify his actions.
Lanjari claimed that he only meant “moisture in the voice,” before suggesting that he might have erred in describing the residents of Tangier and that he meant to describe them as generous and kind, but he did not express himself well and that he could not offend a city to which he, his family, and his ancestors belong.
Empty Talk is Not Understanding
During the trial, Lanjari rejected describing what he posts on social media as frivolous, saying he prefers to call it “empty talk,” meaning he only publishes to waste time and does not post based on specific ideas or objectives.
Regarding his feminine gestures, Lanjari stated that he is a “man” and not “gay,” adding that the gestures he performs are part of his nature, especially since he was raised among his sisters, while also indicating that the persona he shows on social media has nothing to do with his true personality.
Regarding pornographic images showing him “naked” showcasing his buttocks, which the judge presented to him, the activist claimed that the images are fabricated and do not belong to him.
Member of a Prostitution Network
Regarding the accusation of belonging to a prostitution network and receiving money for bringing people to engage in sex, Lanjari denied the accusations against him, considering that the audio recording used against him, in which he negotiates with someone for 1500 dirhams, is fabricated.
Lanjari stated that he is not the person speaking in the recording and that it is merely a fake recording generated using artificial intelligence, highlighting that he owns a shop and his financial situation is good and he does not need to get involved in such activities to earn money.
Lanjari also denied receiving any guests, especially minors, at his home for the purpose of engaging in prostitution.
Repentance
The trial concluded with Lanjari declaring before the judge his repentance and his retirement from social media, acknowledging that what he posts is a public indecency and that he will not repeat it forever.
