Moroccan activist and historian Maati Monjib has declared that he has begun a hunger strike following his prohibition from travel.
In an announcement about himself, he stated
Facebook page
Monjib disclosed that Sorbonne University had extended an invitation to him for a talk about “The Arab Spring in Tunisia: 2011-2021.” Nevertheless, when he reached Rabat-Salé Airport today, he was not allowed to depart, even though he held a legitimate ticket and passport.
“I want to inform everyone that I’ve been prohibited from travel since 2020, and my vehicle, home, and financial accounts have been confiscated for over four years,” he stated additionally.
Monjib was among the activists who received a royal pardon on Throne Day the previous year. He has faced two distinct legal proceedings. In 2015, he was originally handed a sentence of one and a half years for allegations concerning “endangering national security.” His second legal issue arose in 2021, resulting in his arrest as part of an inquiry into “money-laundering” accusations; however, he was subsequently freed awaiting further court action.
In his posting, Monjib condemned his travel ban as a “breach of legal boundaries and the royal pardon.” Referencing Article 160 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, he noted that such restrictions and judicial oversight should not exceed two months initially but can be renewed up to four additional times for a total of ten months maximum. In his view, since this limit wasn’t adhered to in his situation, the ruling became unlawful and unwarranted. Furthermore, he argued that because these proceedings were politically motivated, they involved false and contrived accusations against him,” he penned.
Monjib has previously undertaken multiple hunger strikes, with the latest one occurring in 2023, against his suspension from his role as a university professor.