The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) has expressed grave concern following the arrest of two young members, Yahya Marfouk, 24, and Huzaifa Azuz (also known as Rack Dayne), 19, in Khouribga, Morocco, on February 20th. Both individuals were detained by Moroccan security forces during a violent raid on Yahya’s family home, writes Aba Al Sadiq FHIP.
Two young members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light arrested in Morocco amid religious persecution
Several police vans surrounded the residence, blocking access to the street, before security personnel stormed the house and arrested the two young men. The arrests occurred following a peaceful missionary activity the previous evening, during which Yahya and Huzaifa displayed posters and a banner bearing the words, “Allegiance is to God.” The AROPL community views such public displays of faith as an important expression of their beliefs.
Since the arrest, Moroccan state media has issued several articles claiming that the content of the posters displayed by the two young men was insulting to Islamic religious institutions and to Islam itself. Furthermore, the Moroccan government’s propaganda has spread false information, attempting to portray Yahya and Huzaifa as terrorists. These baseless accusations are typically used against government critics and religious minorities whose beliefs diverge from the state religion, and they are part of a broader effort to crack down on religious freedom and freedom of expression.
Members of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light have long been targeted in Muslim-majority countries for their progressive beliefs that diverge from mainstream Islam, such as the view that the headscarf is not obligatory and their inclusion of minorities such as the LGBTQ community. These beliefs have made them targets of persecution from fundamentalist groups. Human rights organizations, including the United Nations, have documented their persecution and continue to support their right to openly and publicly practice their faith without fear of violence or retaliation.
The young men had sought refuge in Khouribga after enduring persecution in Tetouan, where Huzaifa’s father had reportedly threatened him for practicing the Ahmadi faith. These threats escalated to a disturbing series of events, including two forced institutionalizations in a mental asylum. Desperate for safety, Huzaifa fled to Yahya’s home in Khouribga, where he had been staying temporarily. Authorities had summoned Huzaifa to appear before them on Monday, but the February 20th arrest suggests that the two young men are now victims of an intensified campaign to suppress their right to practice their religion freely.
While the specific charges against Yahya and Huzaifa remain unclear, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has strongly condemned the continued religious persecution faced by its members in many Muslim-majority countries, including Morocco. The group has emphasized that these young men, like others in the community, have simply sought to live peacefully and follow their deeply held beliefs. However, they are being subjected to arbitrary arrests and violent crackdowns for expressing their faith—violations of their fundamental human rights.
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light has called for the immediate release of Yahya Marfouk and Huzaifa Azuz, urging Moroccan authorities to cease all actions that hinder the free practice of religion. In a statement, the organization also appealed to the international community to stand in solidarity with the victims of religious persecution and to advocate for the protection of religious freedoms around the world.
Religious freedom, as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, is a fundamental human right that must be respected and upheld. The Ahmadi community continues to demand justice and equality, urging all those who support human dignity to join in the fight against religious persecution.
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