lexpress.fr
Moroccan Feminist Arrested for "Allah is Lesbian" T-shirt
Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar faces up to five years in prison for displaying a t-shirt reading "Allah is lesbian," sparking debate and revealing divisions within the international feminist movement regarding freedom of expression and religious norms.
- What are the immediate consequences of Ibtissame Lachgar's arrest for freedom of expression in Morocco and the international feminist movement?
- On August 10th, Moroccan feminist activist Ibtissame Lachgar was arrested for displaying a t-shirt reading "Allah is lesbian." Her trial, initially set for August 12th, faces delays, and she may face up to five years imprisonment under article 267-5 of the penal code for "offending Islam." Her sister reports concerning detention conditions, including solitary confinement, despite her fragile health.
- What are the long-term implications of this case for the fight for women's rights and freedom of speech in Morocco and the global discourse on intersectional feminism?
- This case exposes a troubling trend of silencing dissenting voices, particularly women, who challenge religious and social norms in Morocco. The muted response from some international feminist organizations raises questions about solidarity and the complexities of intersectional feminism. Lachgar's situation may set a precedent for future limitations on freedom of expression.
- How do the responses of French feminist organizations and online activists reflect divisions within the feminist movement regarding the intersection of religious, gender, and LGBTQ+ rights?
- Lachgar's arrest highlights the intersection of religious freedom, women's rights, and online activism in Morocco. The lack of widespread support from French feminist groups, despite online threats against Lachgar and her precarious health, reveals internal divisions within the movement. The incident underscores the challenges faced by activists who challenge religious norms and traditions.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the silence and criticism of certain French feminist groups, potentially overshadowing the actions of those who are actively supporting Lachgar. The headline and introduction immediately highlight the lack of support, creating a narrative that focuses more on the negative responses than on the positive actions. This framing could lead readers to underestimate the level of support for Lachgar and exaggerate the divisions within the feminist movement.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language such as "flagrant threats of rape and lynching," "musique," and "grand silence" to describe the reactions to Lachgar's arrest. These phrases evoke strong emotional responses and might influence the reader's perception of the situation. More neutral alternatives could include "threats of violence," "lack of public response," and "limited response." The repeated use of the word "TERF" to describe Lachgar's critics adds a charged and divisive element to the narrative.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the criticism and lack of support from certain French feminist groups, but it omits details about the broader international response to Lachgar's arrest and imprisonment. While mentioning some smaller groups offering support, it doesn't quantify the level of international support or activism beyond a few examples. This omission might underrepresent the extent of global solidarity with Lachgar. Additionally, the article doesn't delve into the Moroccan government's official justification for the arrest beyond mentioning the article of the penal code. This lack of context could lead to a misinterpretation of the legal proceedings.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the debate around Lachgar's arrest as a conflict between 'universalist' feminism and 'intersectionalist' feminism. This oversimplification ignores the complexity of feminist thought and the existence of diverse viewpoints within the feminist movement. It implies that support for Lachgar is contingent upon adherence to a specific feminist ideology, neglecting the possibility of support from feminists of varying perspectives.
Gender Bias
The article focuses on Lachgar's personal attributes and experiences (e.g., her age, health condition, and past activism) more extensively than those of other individuals. While providing context, the level of detail in describing Lachgar's personal life might inadvertently amplify perceptions of her as an individual rather than a political figure. There is no obvious gender bias in the reporting of the facts however.
Sustainable Development Goals
The arrest and imprisonment of Ibtissame Lachgar for expressing her views highlights the challenges faced by women activists in exercising their freedom of expression and the persistent gender inequalities in certain regions. The lack of sufficient international support from feminist organizations further underscores the issue. The case directly impacts SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by demonstrating the continued barriers women face in advocating for their rights and freedoms. The quote "Des désaccords intellectuels ne devraient jamais empêcher de réagir face à une injustice pareille. Mais force est de constater que le mouvement féministe, du moins une partie de celui-ci, subit une perte de repères inquiétante ces dernières années" summarizes the situation and its implications for gender equality advocacy.