The Hamza Raid trial on appeal at the Casablanca Court of Appeal, initially scheduled for Thursday 17 September, has been postponed to 15 October amid a continuing nationwide lawyers’ strike.
Hamza Raid trial: what to know
Sources close to the case say the Casablanca court decided to defer the hearing to 15 October. The postponement comes as the lawyers’ strike continues to disrupt hearings in several Moroccan courts.
The Moroccan rapper, known by his stage name Raid, was due to appear before the appeal court on Thursday. The hearing ultimately could not go ahead as planned.
On his social media accounts, the artist had announced the day before that he intended to attend the hearing, even without his legal team, which is taking part in the strike.
Hamza Raid insists on his innocence and fair trial rights
In a message posted ahead of the hearing, Hamza Raid said he remained confident about the outcome of the proceedings. He reiterated his firm belief in his innocence and his determination to defend all his rights.
The rapper stressed the need to respect defence rights, the presumption of innocence and the integrity of the judicial process, recalling the basic guarantees of a fair trial. After learning that the hearing had been postponed, he thanked those who had come to the court to support him.
The Hamza Raid trial has drawn the attention of many young Moroccans, particularly those concerned with public freedoms and artistic expression.
Background: the first-instance conviction
In November 2025, the Casablanca Court of First Instance handed Hamza Raid a one-month suspended prison sentence and a 2,000 dirham fine.
He was prosecuted on two main charges:
- taking part in an unauthorised, non-armed gathering;
- incitement to commit crimes and offences through electronic means.
The initial judgement sparked strong reactions among young people and rap fans, at a time when protests and youth mobilisation had recently made headlines.
Why this case matters for Moroccans living abroad
For Moroccans living abroad, the Hamza Raid trial offers a snapshot of today’s social and judicial climate in Morocco — the same environment in which their relatives live and where they may plan to return, invest or launch cultural projects.
It also serves as a practical reminder for trips back home, especially for younger generations who are used to broader free speech standards in Europe or North America:
- online content posted from abroad can still have legal consequences in Morocco;
- public gatherings are regulated and may require prior authorisation;
- legal representation by a lawyer is central in any proceedings, which is why it is important to stay informed about how regulated professions operate and how strikes can affect cases.
When they need general information on procedures in Morocco, Moroccans abroad can consult official institutional portals, such as the ministry in charge of Moroccans residing abroad (https://www.mre.gov.ma/), as well as Canal212’s practical guide to key procedures for Moroccans living abroad.
The next hearing, now set for 15 October, should clarify the future of this closely watched case. Until then, the progress of trials across the country will depend heavily on how the lawyers’ strike evolves.
For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.
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