70,000 sign petition in support of men arrested under Morocco's anti-gay law

• The two men were arrested after being attacked and stabbed in their own home

• Launched by international movement All Out, the petition calls for their release and an end to Morocco's anti-gay law

London - April 8, 2016 - More than 70,000 signed a petition in support of two Moroccan men arrested under the country's anti-gay law after being brutally attacked in their own home. The petition was delivered today to Morocco's Minister of Justice, urging him to release both men immediately, to properly investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice.

The petition is part of a campaign launched by All Out, an international movement for LGBT rights, in partnership with Moroccan organisations Aswat Collectif and Akaliyat.

"We believe that love is a human right. Being gay should not be a crime in Morocco or anywhere. All Out and our members will continue to fight until no one, anywhere, has to to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love", said Matt Beard, Executive Director of All Out. "This case is a tragic reminder that discriminatory laws have real consequences. These innocent men were violently attacked in their own home without provocation and thrown naked onto the street. It is those responsible for the attack who should be the only focus of the Moroccan authorities.We will continue to work with our partners in Morocco to increase pressure until both innocent men are free."

The campaign also urged Moroccan authorities to free all other prisoners convicted because of their sexual orientation, to abolish article 489 of the Moroccan penal code, and to guarantee and protect civil liberties and the right to privacy of all of their citizens.

The two men were arrested on March 25, after being attacked and stabbed in their own home. The attackers recorded the assault and published the video on social media channels. Instead of investigating the attack properly, authorities accused the victims of being gay, which is illegal in Morocco. On March 15, one of the two victims was sentenced to four months in prison and a fine. The second victim will go to court on Monday, April 11.

To see the live signature totals from All Out's petition visit: go.allout.org/en/a/morocco-attack

About All Out:

In 75 countries it is a crime to be gay; in 10 it can cost you your life.  All Out is mobilising millions of people and their social networks to build a powerful global movement for love and equality. Our mission is to build a world where no person will have to sacrifice their family or freedom, safety or dignity, because of who they are or who they love.