Getty Images
Mouad Belghouat was arrested March 29 after Morocco's National Security agency filed a suit against him, and he is now being tried for insulting state employees and official institutions, a charge that could lead to a prison sentence.
The rapper, also known as El-Haqed, or "the enraged," writes songs about corruption and social injustice and is involved in the pro-democracy February 20 movement.
He also has written songs attacking King Mohammed VI for his vast wealth and high ranking on the Forbes magazine lists.
The police accused Belghouat of posting a song on the Internet accompanied by photos insulting to police, including one showing an officer with the head of a donkey.
The judge denied a defense request for bail after the prosecutor argued that the rapper presented a risk to the public order. The case was adjourned until April 16.
Belghouat's lawyer said the montage accompanying the song was posted by someone else and the whole case is just a political attack on a well known activist.
"In the song, Mouad accuses certain policemen of corruption. This isn't a scoop. Everyone says so and international organizations confirm it," Larbi Chentoufi told The Associated Press. "El-Haqed is in front of the judges for his opinions."
It is the second time the rapper, who comes from a sprawling slum in Casablanca, Morocco's largest city, has tangled with authorities.
Belghouat was jailed for four months last year for getting into a fight with a regime supporter in the gritty, low-income suburb of Casablanca where he now lives. His supporters say the charges were trumped up.
He was released on Jan. 12 in a case that mobilized the country's activist community.
Morocco was swept with pro-democracy demonstrations like many other countries in the Middle East last year, but the king managed to defuse popular anger with a series of reforms.
Belghouat has continued his activist work in poor neighborhoods. The song he is charged for, called "Dogs of the State," is addressed to the police.
"You are paid to protect the citizens, not to steal their money," says one lyric. "Did your commander order you to take money from the poor?" says another.
The song asks the police to arrest the wealthy businessmen who have divided the country up for themselves.
Morocco, a popular tourist destination for Europeans, has one of the highest discrepancies between rich and poor in the Arab world, according to international development agencies.
"Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL."
Watch 'Learn About the History of Rap'
J. Cole Debuts 'Born Sinner' Tracklist
Kanye West & Kim Kardashian's Daughter Has a Name
Pistol Annies Cancel All Upcoming Concerts
George Jones Biopic Announced
Glen Campbell's Family Gives Update on Alzheimer's Disease
Amy Adams' Bikini Body Isn't What You'd Expect ...
Flyleaf, 'Something Better' (Featuring P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval) - Exclusive Song Premiere
Helen Lost 82 Pounds: 'Helping Others Is What Life Is All About'
Little Big Town, Trisha Yearwood Win Daytime Emmy Awards
What's Behind This Door Is Terrifying
Kellie Pickler to Co-Host 'The View'
41 Busted In Child Sex Sting
News Roundup - Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's House For Sale, Taylor Swift Wins Video Award
PHOTO: Brazilian Officer Pepper-Sprays Female Protester In The Face
LoCash Cowboys Involved in Serious Bus Accident
Michael Hastings Dead At 33
WATCH: Porn Star Says My Dad's Angry I Ruined Porn For Him
5 Ways To Get A Flat Stomach -- While Standing Up
LOOK: Teen Was 'Shamed' By TSA Officer For This Outfit
Khloe's Workout Photos Are Pretty Alarming
PHOTOS: Beautifully Abandoned America
Men's Wearhouse Abruptly Fires Its Founder, Spokesman
Outrage Over Class Photo: 'Adults Should Know Better'
LOOK: China Invented The Weirdest Way Ever To Ward Off Pervs
Axl Rose Doesn't Look Like This Anymore ...
WATCH: The Amazing Moment A Trapped Fox Approaches Men For Help
7 Beautiful Actresses Who Were Told They Weren't Pretty Enough
Couple Finds Ancient Skeleton In Backyard, May Have To Foot $5,000 Excavation Bill
Inside Kim Kardashian's Pregnancy Nightmare
First Photo Of Channing Tatum's Baby Girl
EPIC FAIL
Helen's Secret Surgery
Investigation Underway After Throat-Grab Photos Surface
12 Comments