Moroccan online streamer Ilyas El Maliki was detained on the evening of Monday, 25 November 2025 in the coastal city of El Jadida, police sources and regional media report. Officers from the judicial police reportedly visited his home before escorting him to the regional security headquarters, under the authority of the public prosecutor’s office.
The move follows a prior call by the cyber-crime brigade for El Maliki to appear at the judicial police headquarters earlier in the month, in connection with a complaint filed against him. He reportedly did not comply with that summons, which appears to have triggered the arrest warrant.
At this time, the exact charges have not been officially disclosed to the public. However, local media mention that the legal complaint involves allegations of “defamation and insults,” linked to public statements El Maliki made that provoked a formal complaint by a group representing taxi drivers. Observers note that prior judicial history may also play a role: in a previous case, he had been convicted and served time on charges related to hate speech and discrimination against members of the Amazigh community.
El Maliki is one of Morocco’s most popular digital content creators. Born in 1996 and active on platforms such as YouTube and Kick, he rose to prominence with gaming livestreams, commentary on sports, and general social-media content. His notoriety expanded when he was appointed by the organizers of the Kings World Cup Nations 2025 as captain of Morocco’s national team — a decision that drew both praise and controversy.
The rapid re-arrest of a figure so visible has sparked renewed debate about the limits of free expression, the responsibilities of digital content creators, and how social media and legal scrutiny intersect in Morocco. For now, the case remains under investigation, and an official statement outlining the charges has not been made public by the authorities.
