A social media influencer was arrested at an airport after allegedly posting a viral video criticising her holiday destination. Yass Naubelle, a French-Algerian content creator and skincare brand founder, was detained by police at Marrakech Menara Airport on June 13 as she prepared to board a flight back to France.
Arrest at Marrakech Airport
According to local reports, the 30-year-old was stopped by border authorities shortly before departure following the publication of a video in which she allegedly criticised driving standards and law enforcement in Morocco. Moroccan authorities executed a national warrant and placed Naubelle in custody after determining that the content was 'defamatory towards Moroccan citizens' and amounted to an insult against the country's security forces.
Defamatory Content Claims
State investigators said she is being held on suspicion of publishing digital content considered defamatory and insulting towards citizens while also undermining a public institution. The influencer had been visiting Marrakech when she reportedly recorded and shared the now-deleted video. In the clip, Naubelle described local roads as dangerous and criticised driving behaviour, saying: 'I've never seen people drive like this. It's super dangerous – cars, mopeds without helmets, with children on board, swerving suddenly.'
Comparison to Algeria
When comparing the situation to neighbouring Algeria, she reportedly added: 'It's less bad than here.' Naubelle also allegedly accused some traffic police officers of stopping women unnecessarily to obtain money, claims that prompted a strong response from authorities.
Viral Video Triggers National Alert
The video quickly attracted widespread attention online, generating hundreds of comments and reportedly triggering a national alert that led to her interception at the airport. Authorities said she was taken into custody to establish the motives behind the publication of the content. Naubelle, who has more than 20,000 followers on TikTok, remains in custody in Morocco. No formal charges or details of any court appearance have yet been publicly confirmed.
Legal Risks for Travellers
The case has drawn attention on social media and raised questions about the legal risks associated with posting critical content while travelling abroad. Marrakech remains one of the most popular destinations for European tourists, including thousands of visitors from France and the UK every year. However, travellers are generally advised to familiarise themselves with local laws and regulations, including those governing online activity and public commentary.
