10 December 2025
H.E. Mr Hakim Hajoui
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United Kingdom
Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco
6 Grosvenor Gardens
London SW1W 0DH, United Kingdom
Dear Ambassador,
On International Human Rights Day, we write to raise an urgent alarm about the ongoing imprisonment and mistreatment of Ibtissame Betty Lachgar, a feminist, psychologist, and long-standing human rights defender whose continued detention exposes a wider pattern of repression in Morocco. Her case reflects the targeting of activists, dissidents, LGBT people, secular voices and dissenting women.
In August 2025 Betty was arrested and sentenced to 30 months in prison for posting a photograph of herself wearing a T-shirt that read “Allah is Lesbian.” The T-shirt was originally created in solidarity with two Iranian lesbians who were sentenced to death, and the photograph was taken outside of Morocco. For this act, undertaken in London, she has been convicted under Article 267-5 of the Moroccan Penal Code.
Using a blasphemy provision to prosecute speech made outside Morocco’s borders demonstrates a worrying attempt to extend state control far beyond Moroccan jurisdiction. It also sends a clear message to all Moroccans in the diaspora and visitors: expression, even abroad, can cost you your freedom.
Her conviction followed an orchestrated online campaign of rape and death threats, none of which have been investigated, while the victim herself was criminalised.
Betty is a bone cancer survivor with a left-arm prosthesis and critical medical needs. Medical reports already warn of severe osteolysis, a fully dislocated elbow, an increasingly unstable shoulder, and a real risk of amputation without urgent surgery.
Her condition is deteriorating rapidly: escalating pain, reduced mobility, difficulty washing or using the toilet safely, insomnia due to lack of bedding, and increasing disability. This constitutes inhumane and degrading treatment in breach of the Mandela Rules.
The refusal of an alternative non-custodial sentence, available under Moroccan law, further demonstrates punitive intent, especially given the court’s reference to the ‘dangerousness of the infraction,’ a troubling characterisation of non-violent expression. Under the non-custodial sentences law, there are five specific objective criteria, none of which includes ‘dangerousness of the infraction.’ She is fully eligible under the law.
The Free Betty Coalition, made up of hundreds of organisations representing hundreds of thousands of members worldwide, has condemned her imprisonment and demanded her release.
This coalition recognises her case as emblematic of the wider repression of activists, journalists, LGBT people, freethinkers and women’s rights defenders in Morocco. It is a reminder that the suppression of a single voice is part of a much broader silencing.
Civil society across the world is already mobilising and will intensify its efforts until Betty is free.
In light of the urgent medical danger, the violations of international law, and the global attention on this case, we call for the following actions be immediately conveyed to the Moroccan authorities:
- Immediate and unconditional release of Ibtissame Betty Lachgar.
- Immediate transfer to specialised medical treatment, including the surgery urgently required.
- An end to isolation and inhumane treatment, and access to basic dignity and safety while detained.
- Application of alternative penalties already available in Moroccan law. Despite the availability of alternative, non-custodial sentencing under Moroccan law, her request for such an option was refused and should be urgently reconsidered, especially given the gravity of her medical situation.
- Prompt investigation and accountability for the threats of rape and death issued against her.
- Abolition of Article 267-5, which criminalises peaceful expression and violates Morocco’s obligations under the ICCPR and Mandela Rules.
Every day Betty remains imprisoned deepens the harm and increases the international scrutiny already directed at Morocco’s rights record. The situation is rapidly becoming a medical emergency with potentially irreversible consequences. Her imprisonment is unjust, unlawful under international frameworks Morocco has ratified, and damaging to countless others who now fear for their safety, autonomy, and freedom of expression.
This case will continue to be a focal point for growing international advocacy until justice is served. Betty’s freedom is urgent, necessary, and non-negotiable.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information at m.namazie@ex-muslim.org.uk or +447719166731. We look forward to your urgent intervention. Betty’s release is both necessary and non-negotiable.
Yours sincerely,
Maryam Namazie and Siham Lachgar
On behalf of the International Coalition to Free Betty