The star of a controversial film about prostitution in Morocco was savagely beaten after critics claimed that their anger would be enforced by physical violence.
Loubna Abidar, who plays the role of Marrakech sex worker Noha in Much Loved, claims that police and hospital workers refused to help her after the brutal attack – and instead mocked her.
‘No [police officer] and no doctor would take care of me’, she said. ‘Everyone mocked me and said, “Finally, Abidar! You got beaten”.’
The film, directed by French-Moroccan filmmaker Nabil Ayouch, was premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival and is considered one of the first to tackle the issue of prostitution in Morocco.
It tells the story of four female sex workers and the exploitation they suffer by their pimps as well as the corruption of the police who sometimes profits from the trade.
Much Loved was subsequently banned by the Moroccan government in May – with supporters of the film claiming that the controversy is centred around the recent publication of the first official statistics on the country’s sex industry.
In a series of photos posted on Friday, Ms Abidar’s head appears wrapped in a bandage, with several bruises on her back.
The actress has since received support from the Alternative Movement for Individual Liberties – a Moroccan women and gay rights group.
‘There is no Eastern rights and Western rights. There are human rights. I fail to understand anyone who argues otherwise.’
Speaking immediately after the attack, the actress reiterated her intentions to seek political asylum in France over fears for her safety – but she has since said she will stay in Morocco after criticisms from activists who are often accused of receiving supports from Western forces.
