News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data search

Artistic expression in Morocco is increasingly constrained by censorship and societal pressures. Recent incidents, such as the removal of Khadija Tanana’s artwork for alleged blasphemy and the tragic self-immolation of actor Ahmad Jawad, highlight the growing challenges faced by artists. From film and music to visual arts, those addressing sensitive themes—religion, gender, and political dissent—often encounter suppression, harassment, or economic hardship. These cases underscore the difficult reality for Moroccan artists navigating a restrictive cultural landscape.

In February 2025, Moroccan artist Khadija Tanana became the latest target of state censorship when her artwork, Hand of Fatima, was forcibly removed from the Tetouan Centre of Modern Art. The piece, which incorporated Islamic symbolism alongside imagery from the Kama Sutra, was condemned by the Ministry of Culture for being “blasphemous” and violating “religious and moral precepts.” Authorities not only removed the artwork but also destroyed exhibition catalogues featuring it. Tanana defended her work as a critique of sexual repression in Moroccan society, but her arguments were overshadowed by the government’s hardline stance. This incident highlights the tightening grip of censorship in Morocco's artistic landscape, where both state and societal pressures increasingly stifle creative expression1.

Just two years earlier, on March 27, 2023, Moroccan actor and artist Ahmad Jawad staged a tragic protest that shook the cultural community. On World Theatre Day, Jawad set himself on fire outside the Ministry of Culture in Rabat. His act was a desperate cry against systemic neglect and economic marginalization faced by artists in Morocco. Jawad’s self-immolation reflected his frustration with meager pension payments—reportedly as low as MAD 1,800 per month—and lack of recognition after decades of contributions to Moroccan theater. He succumbed to his injuries a week later at Ibn Sina Hospital in Rabat. His death reignited debates about the precarious financial conditions faced by artists and highlighted how economic pressures compound issues of censorship and harassment within Morocco’s arts sector2 3 11.

Censorship in Morocco spans across all artistic fields, targeting themes that challenge societal norms or political authority. In cinema, filmmakers like Abdellah Taia have faced backlash for addressing taboo subjects such as homosexuality. Taia’s film Cabo Negro, a queer love story, was screened at the Marrakech International Film Festival in December 2024. However, organizers abruptly canceled the post-screening Q&A session due to anticipated backlash over its LGBTQ+ themes4 5. Similarly, musicians critical of corruption or police brutality, such as rapper Mouad “El Haqed” Belghouat, have been repeatedly harassed and prevented from performing publicly since at least 2011. Notable incidents include police blocking a concert in June 2015 and multiple imprisonments between 2011 and 2014 for his politically charged lyrics6.

The visual arts are no exception—works addressing gender or sexuality often face removal from exhibitions or public condemnation. Harassment is another pervasive issue for Moroccan artists, particularly women. Actress Najat Khair Allah has spoken out about sexual harassment she endured while filming the series Al-Khawa in 2015. She accused actor Tarik Boukhari of physically assaulting her during production and detailed her experiences at a symposium organized by the Moroccan Association for Victims’ Rights in 2021. Despite filing complaints and speaking publicly on television in 2023, Khair Allah faced severe social backlash and professional risks for coming forward7 8.

Gender-nonconforming individuals also face significant challenges. In April 2020, artist Abdelatif Nhaila became a target of an online outing campaign led by an influencer. After filing a complaint for defamation and threats at a police station in Sidi Kacem, Nhaila was instead arrested on charges of "violating the sanitary state of emergency" and "insulting an official." He was sentenced to a four-month suspended prison term and fined 1,000 dirhams in October 20209 13.

Beyond individual cases, societal conservatism plays a significant role in suppressing artistic freedom. Artists who challenge traditional norms often face public defamation campaigns or threats. Festivals and public events showcasing controversial themes or performances are frequently censored or canceled.

The subjects most frequently censored in Morocco reflect the country’s sociopolitical red lines: religion, sexuality, monarchy, and territorial integrity. Works perceived as questioning Islamic values or addressing LGBTQ+ issues are particularly vulnerable to suppression. Similarly, criticism of King Mohammed VI or discussions about Western Sahara are met with swift punitive action. These restrictions not only limit what can be expressed but also encourage widespread self-censorship among artists who fear legal or social repercussions.

The cases of Khadija Tanana and Ahmad Jawad illustrate the dire state of artistic freedom in Morocco—a landscape shaped by censorship, harassment, and economic marginalization. As long as these systemic issues persist, Moroccan artists will continue to struggle against forces that seek to silence their voices and curtail their creativity.

Hand of Fatima, Morocco’s Artistic Freedom Under Growing Pressure

Citations:

Download:

Program Report 2023

Partners

Efforts

Download posters (.pdf)

See our Programs!

Strategic approches:

Evaluation 2023: