The Moroccan feminist imprisoned for displaying the slogan 'Allah is lesbian' risks amputation
Moroccan feminist Ibtissam 'Betty' Lachgar faces possible amputation due to deteriorating health issues related to cancer while imprisoned for her activism.
Ibtissam 'Betty' Lachgar, a Moroccan feminist and LGBTQ+ activist, is currently serving a two-and-a-half-year prison sentence after being convicted for displaying the slogan 'Allah is lesbian.' Her health has significantly declined during her six months in prison, where she has often been held in isolation. Family members report that she is suffering from bone cancer, which has jeopardized her wellbeing and requires urgent surgical intervention.
According to her lawyer, Lachgar is undergoing oncological treatment and is in dire need of surgery on her left arm, where a tumor has developed. This tumor has necessitated the use of a partial prosthesis, highlighting the severity of her condition. Reports indicate that her health complications have worsened as she continues to endure harsh prison conditions and limited access to medical care, raising serious concerns about her future.
The imprisonment of Ibtissam Lachgar has sparked outrage among human rights activists, both in Morocco and internationally. This case exemplifies the challenges faced by feminists and LGBTQ+ individuals in conservative societies, where their voices and rights are often suppressed. The risk of amputation not only symbolizes the extreme personal toll on Lachgar but also serves as a reminder of the broader implications for freedom of expression and human rights in the region.