Taoufik Bouachrine is a Moroccan journalist and former editor-in-chief of the independent daily Akhbar Al-Youm. He was arrested on 23 February 2018, after publishing editorials critical of senior Moroccan officials and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. In November 2018, a Casablanca court sentenced him to 12 years in prison on charges including human trafficking, abuse of power for sexual purposes, rape and attempted rape. This sentence was increased to 15 years on appeal in October 2019. Bouachrine has consistently denied all charges, claiming that they are politically motivated and aimed at silencing his journalistic work. The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention concluded in 2019 that his detention was arbitrary and in violation of international law, and called for his immediate release and reparations. Despite this, the Moroccan authorities have maintained his detention. In May 2023, reports emerged that Bouachrine’s health had deteriorated due to punitive measures and denial of medical care by prison authorities. His family and international human rights organisations have expressed deep concern about his treatment and the wider crackdown on press freedom in Morocco. He was pardoned by the King on 29 July 2024.