In the most recent urgent action letter, the TRU Students’ Union wrote to Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch urging the immediate and unconditional release of Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar, calling on Moroccan authorities to quash her conviction, ensure her release, and guarantee access to the urgent medical care she requires.
“Writing this letter is about using my voice in a way that can reach beyond our campus,” said Yunisha Bist, TRUSU Racialized Persons Representative. “When people are being punished for speaking out, it reminds me how important it is that we don’t stay silent and that we stand with them in whatever way we can.”
Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar is a human rights defender and co-founder of the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms (MALI). She was convicted in connection with her peaceful activism and is currently imprisoned despite being a bone cancer survivor facing serious medical complications. She requires urgent surgery that is not available to her while detained. Although medical documentation has outlined the severity of her condition, authorities have denied her requests for provisional release on medical grounds, putting her health at significant risk.
Her case reflects broader concerns about the criminalization of peaceful expression and the failure to provide adequate medical care to those in detention. When individuals are imprisoned for exercising their right to free expression, it undermines public participation and weakens protections that are essential to a functioning and just society. Denying necessary healthcare to detained individuals further compounds these violations and raises serious human rights concerns.
“It’s difficult to see someone being denied both their freedom and the care they need to survive,” Bist added. “No one should have to choose between their health and their right to speak freely, and it’s important that we continue to call attention to situations like this.”
We urge authorities to act without delay to ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Ibtissame “Betty” Lachgar and access to the medical treatment she urgently needs.
We await a response from the Head of Government of Morocco.
For more Information
The Amnesty Urgent Actions Program allows the Union to take action regarding international human rights injustices that matter to students. Click this link to see injustices we have addressed previously, and for further information about this issue or to see a copy of the letter, contact the Equity Coordinator below.