News from Civsy, based on generative AI tools and retrieval-augumented real time data searchRapper Hamza Raid became one of the most high-profile names linked to Morocco’s youth-led Gen Z protests that swept the country at the end of September 2025. The protests—organized under banners like Gen Z 212—demanded urgent reform of Morocco’s public education and health systems, and criticized government priorities, such as major stadium developments, amid continued social hardship.instagram+1
Arrest of Hamza Raid
Reports from AP News and other reputable sources confirm that Hamza Raid was detained by Moroccan police in connection with the protests in late September or early October 2025. While widely shared social media posts suggest he was apprehended in Rabat, the exact circumstances and location of his arrest have not been independently and authoritatively verified in international media. After his arrest, prosecutors at the Ain Sebaa Court of First Instance in Casablanca decided to charge him but also granted his release pending trial. Charges brought against Raid, according to MWN Lifestyle and Hespress, include “unauthorised, non-armed assembly and incitement to commit crimes and misdemeanours using electronic means”. There is no confirmed evidence that “insulting an official body” was among his charges.
Authorities’ Statements
The Moroccan public prosecutor’s office emphasized its commitment to “applying the law” and cited the use of social media to incite participation in unauthorized gatherings as a criminal offense in this context. The Ministry of Interior, responding more broadly to the unrest, stated that law enforcement interventions were conducted “in accordance with legal procedures” and reiterated Morocco’s commitment to maintaining public order while respecting citizens’ rights—though rights groups have flagged both excessive force and due process concerns. The Ministry also blamed activists for escalation and scenes of violence.
The Scale and Context of the Crackdown
More than 2,400 people have been charged over the recent protests, with over 1,400 remaining in custody, according to AP News and Le Monde. Rights groups report that at least three demonstrators died and dozens sustained serious injuries. International watchdogs including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have severely criticized the authorities' heavy-handed approach and the high number of prosecutions of both protesters and those affiliated with artist or activist circles.
Hamza Raid’s situation quickly became emblematic of the risks faced by outspoken artists in Morocco. His music had captured the frustration and aspirations of the Gen Z protest movement, and following his release pending trial, hashtags referencing his case circulated widely—particularly #FreeKoulchi—as artists and civil society figures rallied for his defense.
The important role of cultural voices
Hamza Raid’s arrest and prosecution underscore the mounting pressures on artistic expression in Morocco, especially during periods of social unrest. His case reflects both the important role of cultural voices in mobilizing youth and the serious risks artist-activists face in a repressive climate. Mimeta will continue to monitor and document developments relating to artistic freedom and the broader civic space in Morocco.
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Hamza Raid Faces Protest Charges
Rapper Hamza Raid’s charges after Morocco’s Gen Z protests highlight the risks faced by artist-activists demanding education and healthcare reform. His case is a touchstone for freedom of expression in North Africa, raising critical questions about police response and due process. Read Mimeta’s analysis of art, activism, and human rights.
#ArtisticFreedom #GenZProtests #HamzaRaid #Morocco #HumanRights #FreedomOfExpression
AP News, “Morocco charges more than 2,400 people over Gen Z protests”
Wikipedia, “2025 Moroccan Gen Z protests”
Middle East Council on Global Affairs, “Morocco’s Youth Protests and the Limits of its Governance Formula”
MWN Lifestyle, “Casablanca Court Releases Rapper Raid Pending Trial”
Hespress, “Moroccan Rapper Hamza Raid Charged, Freed After Protest”
Human Rights Watch, “Morocco: Protests Met with Repression, Violence”
Reuters, “Morocco security forces, hurt as youth protests turn violent”
Afropop Worldwide, “Rappers Lead the Gen Z Protests in Morocco”
Le Monde, “Morocco cracks down on Gen Z”
Afropop.org, “#FreeKoulchi becomes a rallying cry for youth”
