Arrest of Fateh Benaiss: A Reflection on Religious Persecution in Morocco

The Incident in Marrakech

On the 10th of February, a middle-aged man from Morocco was arrested by police in Marrakech. Fateh Benaiss, born on the 10th of January 1969, was detained simply for handing out leaflets and preaching peacefully on the streets. He has been a devoted follower of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light for nearly a decade.

This incident is not isolated. Over the years, Benaiss has faced multiple arrests by the Moroccan police for sharing his beliefs with the public in a peaceful manner. Typically, he is confined to a local mental asylum, where he is injected with tranquilizers and subsequently labelled a mental patient for his preaching. This treatment exemplifies the broader pattern of how authorities treat believers in Morocco.

Previous Cases of Persecution

The stories of Yahya Marfouq and Huzaifa Azuz have also been reported by The Divine Just State magazine. Both were apprehended by Moroccan intelligence services, with Huzaifa cruelly subjected to confinement in a mental asylum. These cases highlight a disturbing trend of religious persecution faced by members of The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Morocco.

A Message from Fateh Benaiss

Recently, we received a voice note from Fateh while he was at the police station. In his message, he conveyed the following:

“Assalam alaikum wa rahmat Allahi wa barakatuhu, how are you? All good? I couldn't get hold of you on WhatsApp. Anyway, I'm at the police station; they've arrested me, so you know, don't be alarmed. Everything is okay, and it will be okay, Inshallah.”

His message reflects a calm resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges he faces, Benaiss remains steadfast in his beliefs.

The Broader Context of Religious Persecution

The persecution of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is not confined to Morocco. There has been increasing attention on the oppression faced by this faith in majority Muslim countries, such as Egypt and Malaysia. Reports published by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) have highlighted the oppressive measures taken against this community, particularly in Egypt.

As these stories gain traction, they serve as evidence against authoritarian regimes that oppress the human rights of their citizens without justification. The international community must take note of these violations and advocate for the rights of individuals to practice their faith freely.

A Call for Action

We urge the Moroccan government to drop all charges and intimidation programs directed at the believers in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. It is essential for the government to allow them to practice their faith in peace, as is their right under international law. This right is articulated in the UN Declaration on Freedom of Religion or Belief, specifically in Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The Importance of Religious Freedom

Religious freedom is a fundamental human right. It allows individuals to express their beliefs without fear of persecution. The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light advocates for peace, tolerance, and understanding among all people. It is crucial that governments respect and uphold these principles.

In conclusion, the arrest of Fateh Benaiss is a stark reminder of the ongoing persecution faced by members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light. As the world becomes more aware of these injustices, it is imperative that we stand in solidarity with those who seek to practice their faith freely. The fight for religious freedom is a collective responsibility that transcends borders and cultures.

Let us continue to advocate for the rights of individuals like Fateh Benaiss, who courageously stand for their beliefs in the face of adversity.