National Security in Marrakech Arrests Algerian YouTuber Rachid Negaz After Provocations

Elements of the National Security in Marrakech, specifically in the Jamaa El Fna district, have arrested Algerian YouTuber Rachid Negaz after he posted a provocative video in front of the Koutoubia Mosque, claiming that the mosque has Algerian origins. This move came after a series of inflammatory statements made by Negaz, which targeted the Moroccan people and sensitive national issues.

المدعو #رشيد_نكاز قبل أسبوع قام بالاستهزاء بالمغاربة بخصوص أضحية العيد ،
واليوم وبأوامر من المخابرات الجزائرية ينتقل مباشرةً إلى مدينة مراكش ليستفز الشعب المغربي من داخل بيته.
وصف صومعة الكتبية بأن الجزائريون هم من بنوها، تم قال بان المغرب مستعمر للصحراء منذ 1975. pic.twitter.com/lQngtKWCPO

— Raymond Sadik. (@RaymondSadik) March 17, 2025

Negaz had sparked controversy a week earlier when he mocked Moroccans regarding Eid al-Adha sacrifices, causing widespread anger on social media platforms. In an escalatory move, he directly traveled to Marrakech, where he posted a new video in front of the Koutoubia Mosque, claiming that Algerians were the ones who built this historic landmark. He also alleged that Morocco has been “colonizing the Sahara since 1975.”

Negaz was arrested after his statements triggered a wave of condemnation and anger among Moroccans, who viewed his actions as a clear attempt to provoke and disrupt national unity. This incident comes at a time when relations between Morocco and Algeria are highly tense, especially amid ongoing political and territorial disputes between the two countries.

Security sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing with Negaz to determine his motives and the parties that may be behind these provocative statements. He is expected to be brought to justice soon to face charges of incitement to hatred and stirring tensions between the Moroccan and Algerian peoples.

It is worth noting that the Koutoubia Mosque, which dates back to the 12th century, is one of Morocco’s most prominent historical landmarks and a symbol of the country’s cultural and religious identity. Negaz’s statements have reinforced Moroccans’ commitment to their national unity and their rejection of any attempts to undermine their stability or question their history.