A schoolboy has been jailed for reportedly insulting Morocco’s King Mohamed VI.


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Yassine Belassal, 18, was imprisoned after he changed the king’s name to that of his favourite football team on a blackboard at his school.

He is said to have altered the phrase “God, The Nation, The King” to “God, The Nation, Barcelona”.

It is claimed Yassine’s head teacher reported him to the police after the prank.

Spanish soccer club FC Barcelona have reportedly appointed a lawyer to try to help the boy.

Reports suggest it is unclear whether the court imprisoned Yassine due to the remarks about the football club or because of other insults allegedly aimed at the king.

The teenager’s family are appealing the decision, and are set to write to King Mohamed to request a royal pardon.

An internet campaign calling for Yassine’s release is also underway.

Last month, a man was sent to prison in Morocco after he suggested the development of the country was being stunted by some royal practices.

He was eventually freed after a media outcry.

Earlier in the year another man was given a three-year prison sentence after he posted a mock profile of the king’s brother on social networking website Facebook.

He went on to receive a royal pardon.