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A Moroccan court on Friday granted provisional release to 34-year-old rapper Mehdi Black Wind, freeing him after nearly three weeks in prison on charges of “undermining institutions.”
The artist, whose real name is El Mahdi Lyoubi, left custody on Friday afternoon following a judge’s ruling, and he warmly embraced his legal team outside the facility.
Authorities initially stopped Lyoubi at the airport on July 10 as he prepared to board a flight to France, where he resides, informing him of a travel ban.
Judicial police in Casablanca summoned him three days later and placed him under arrest under a penal code provision penalising defamation, insult, or offence against the king.
Lyoubi’s lyrics frequently critique social inequalities in Morocco, prompting dozens of supporters to gather outside the courthouse with signs demanding his freedom.
While the court approved his bail, his attorney noted that officials have not yet specified whether the travel ban remains in effect.
Lyoubi now awaits the next hearing in his trial, which the court has scheduled for October 2.
