Three-Year Prison Sentence and Fine for Local Councilor and Accomplice in Hicham Jerando Case

The Criminal Court of Ain Sebaa in Casablanca issued its verdict on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in the case related to Hicham Jerando, convicting the accused Hamid Mahboub and Hussein Al-Sama.

The court sentenced Hamid Mahboub, a member of the Istiqlal Party and local councilor in the Khemis Matoukh commune of Ouled Frej, and Hussein Al-Sama for the charges brought against them. Each was sentenced to three years in prison and fined 5,000 Moroccan dirhams.

This ruling is part of the broader case involving the Moroccan YouTuber Hicham Jerando, who was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison on charges including forming a terrorist group, incitement to violence, and threats. The investigations extended to several family members and associates within Morocco.

The case has sparked widespread debate in legal and media circles due to its significant security and legal implications, especially given Jerando’s threats against judicial officials and the involvement of his family members in defamation, blackmail, and threats via social media.

The verdict reflects the Moroccan judiciary’s ongoing efforts to combat cybercrime, incitement to violence, and to uphold the rule of law and protect state institutions.