On 24 October 2026, an incident of extreme violence allegedly took place during a metal concert at L'Uzine in Morocco, involving a 19-year-old Moroccan man named Abderahmane and a 44-year-old foreign national residing in Morocco, identified as Heather Ann Nawakowska, who reportedly uses the Instagram username @mi_mundo_y_recuerdos. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of concertgoers, the protection of young people, and the need to address violence, racism, and intimidation within the Moroccan metal community. Through this petition, we call for justice for Abderahmane, a thorough investigation into the reported assault, and coordinated action to prevent further incidents, including consideration of a nationwide exclusion of the individual concerned from metal concerts and festivals across Morocco, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.

According to the account provided by the alleged victim and those familiar with the incident, Abderahmane was being lifted by a friend while the bands were performing on stage. He raised his hand to express his support for the musicians and the music. His gesture was allegedly interpreted by the woman as a Nazi salute, despite the reported absence of any such intention on his part. Whatever interpretation someone may place on a gesture, an accusation does not justify physical violence. Disagreements and concerns must be addressed peacefully, without assaulting, threatening, or endangering another person.

The reported assault was extremely serious. According to the account, Abderahmane was bitten on the hand until it bled, leaving a scar. He was allegedly pulled to the ground by his hair and choked until he lost consciousness. It has further been alleged that the violence continued even after he became unconscious, and that other concertgoers had to intervene to protect him and stop the attack. If these allegations are substantiated, the circumstances warrant urgent investigation into the severity of the violence, the injuries sustained, and whether the conduct involved an intention to cause serious injury or other grave harm. The possibility of attempted homicide or another serious offence is a matter for the competent authorities to assess based on the evidence and applicable Moroccan law.

The concerns surrounding this incident extend beyond the reported physical assault. According to the accounts provided, the woman had allegedly threatened Abderahmane before the concert and used the racist slur “sand niggers” to refer to Moroccans. It has also been reported that, following the incident, she bragged about her actions on social media, threatened to repeat the violence, and intimidated people who expressed support for Abderahmane. These allegations, if verified, raise further concerns about the safety of the victim, the witnesses, and other members of the Moroccan metal community. No one should have to fear being assaulted, threatened, or subjected to racist abuse because they attend a concert or stand in solidarity with another person.

Metal music has always brought together people who value freedom of expression, individuality, solidarity, and the ability to enjoy music without fear. Concert venues should provide a safe environment for artists and audiences, regardless of nationality, background, age, or personal beliefs. Violence, racism, and intimidation have no place in that environment. The Moroccan metal scene should not have to tolerate behaviour that puts attendees at risk, and reports of serious violence must not be dismissed or ignored. Protecting this community means taking credible allegations seriously while ensuring that investigations remain fair, impartial, and based on evidence.

For these reasons, we call on the competent Moroccan authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged assault against Abderahmane. Witnesses should be interviewed, medical documentation should be obtained where available, and relevant evidence should be preserved, including CCTV footage from L'Uzine, concert recordings, photographs of injuries, original social media publications, and messages containing alleged threats. We also call for the reported racist abuse and intimidation to be examined and for appropriate protective measures to be considered for Abderahmane and any witnesses or supporters who may face further threats. If the allegations are substantiated, we expect the appropriate legal proceedings to follow in accordance with Moroccan law.

We also call on metal concert promoters, festival organizers, music venues, and other relevant event operators throughout Morocco to take this matter seriously and consider coordinated preventive measures. Specifically, we ask them to consider a nationwide exclusion of the individual concerned from metal concerts, metal festivals, and related live music events across Morocco, where justified and legally permissible. Such a measure should be assessed through appropriate procedures and within the authority of the relevant organizers. Its purpose would be to reduce the risk of further violence, protect concertgoers, and demonstrate that threats and serious assaults are not acceptable within the live music community. We further urge venues and promoters to strengthen their incident-reporting procedures and cooperate with lawful investigations so that future events can be safer for everyone.

The Moroccan metal community deserves to be a place of music, freedom, solidarity, and mutual respect. No concertgoer should have to fear for their life or safety while supporting the bands they love. Allegations of severe violence, racist abuse, and continuing threats must be addressed responsibly, transparently, and without unnecessary delay.

We demand justice for Abderahmane. We demand safer concerts across Morocco. We demand accountability for violence, racism, and intimidation. Let our metal community stand together for safety, dignity, and the right of everyone to enjoy music without fear.