Quebec court sentences Moroccan YouTuber Hicham Jerando for defamation of judge

YouTuber Jailed for Defaming Moroccan Judge

Montreal Court Hands Down Sentence in High-Profile Defamation Case

A Montreal courtroom delivered a significant verdict Thursday, sentencing Moroccan YouTuber Hicham Jerando to one month in jail, 150 hours of community service, and a fine of 10,000 Canadian dollars. The sentence stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Moroccan judge Abdelrahim Hanin against Jerando.

The Quebec Superior Court found Jerando guilty of spreading false accusations and damaging Judge Hanin's reputation through a series of YouTube videos. This ruling is being celebrated as a victory for Judge Hanin and a clear affirmation of legal protections against digital defamation.

A Pattern of Controversial Content

Jerando, a Moroccan national residing in Canada, has been embroiled in controversy for his inflammatory online content targeting Moroccan officials and institutions. He initially arrived in Canada as an immigrant, pursuing various business ventures before transitioning to YouTube where he gained notoriety for controversial videos.

This recent case is not Jerando's first legal battle. He has faced previous absentee rulings both in Morocco and abroad for similar offenses. In a separate instance, Canadian courts convicted him for defaming Moroccan lawyer Adel Said Al-Mutairi.

Digital Defamation Raises Concerns

Jerando's actions have drawn widespread criticism from legal experts and members of the Moroccan diaspora who warn about the escalating misuse of digital platforms to spread misinformation and erode public trust in legal institutions.

This court decision highlights the growing global trend of international courts holding online content creators accountable for cross-border defamation and hate speech.