Mother Arrested Live on TikTok and Admitted to Mental Institution in Morocco

Update – May 23, 2025: After a lengthy detention and interrogation, Hassana was sentenced to at least one month of involuntary commitment to a mental institution, solely for her belief in the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

This case raises grave concerns about violations of basic human rights. The forced entry into Hassana’s home, followed by her detention and institutionalization based solely on her religious beliefs, contravenes international human rights standards, including the right to freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (UDHR Article 18) and the right to security and protection from arbitrary detention (UDHR Article 9). Such actions reflect a troubling disregard for religious freedom and individual dignity.

Fez, Morocco — May 21, 2025: The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light is deeply concerned by the dramatic arrest of Hassana Rachdi, a 35-year-old Moroccan mother and believer, who was taken into custody today in Meknes while engaging in peaceful missionary activity on TikTok Live. Viewers of the livestream witnessed the moment her home was raided by authorities, interrupting her broadcast. Rachdi, who is married and has several children, was detained on the spot and remains in police custody.

Recording of the TikTok Live session during which Hassana was arrested

This arrest adds to a growing pattern of persecution against members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light in Morocco.

On April 24, Fateh Bennais and Afaf Ijaouane, were arrested in the Assaada neighborhood of Marrakech following the peaceful distribution of religious materials. Bennais had been handing out flyers over the course of two days, exercising his constitutional right to freedom of religion and expression.

On February 27, 2025, two other community members—Yahya Marfouk (24) and Huzaifa Azuz—were charged under Article 220 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which criminalizes "undermining the faith of Muslims through employing incitement or threats."