By Kwame Bediako
Algerian social media influencer, Raouf Belkacemi faces three months in prison and a 500 dirham ($136) fine after a shocking act of public indecency at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The Rabat First Instance Court delivered the verdict on Monday,January 19, 2026, stemming from footage Belkacemi filmed of himself urinating in the stands during Algeria’s Round of 16 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He remains detained at El Arjate prison, 20 kilometers south of the capital, though he retains the right to appeal.
The video, which Belkacemi brazenly posted online, exploded across social media platforms, igniting widespread fury from fans, officials, and the public.
Captured amid the electric atmosphere of the AFCON knockout clash, the clip captured a moment of utter disregard for stadium decorum, turning a night of football passion into a viral scandal.
Moroccan authorities wasted no time, swiftly arresting Belkacemi following the footage’s rapid spread and holding him in custody before his court appearance.
Prosecutors charged him with violations of public decency and public order, underscoring how such behavior crosses severe legal lines in a venue meant for sporting celebration, not provocation.
This high-profile case serves as a stark reminder of the strict boundaries surrounding fan conduct at major tournaments like AFCON.
While emotions run high in stadiums packed with fervent supporters, authorities emphasize that actions must stay within legal and social norms to preserve the event’s integrity.
In a diplomatic touch, Algerian Consul General Abdelhamid Abdaoui visited Belkacemi as part of routine support for nationals abroad.
