Rabat, Morocco - A Moroccan rapper and Islamist activist has seen his eight-month jail term upheld on appeal for his music and online posts criticizing corruption and the country's normalization with Israel.

His lawyer claims that there was no intention to offend anyone nor were there any explicitly offending remarks.

Souhaib Kabli, known professionally as L7assal, was initially arrested and sentenced in March.

The 23-year-old appeared at an appeals court in Taza on charges of "insulting a public body" and "undermining the respect due to constitutional institutions".

His lawyer, Mohammed Taifi, stated that Kabli maintained his stance during the hearing, claiming he only "expressed his opinions" without intending to insult any individuals or institutions.

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights had previously called for L7assal's release and for the charges against him to be dropped.

They argued that his arrest represented a political means of restricting freedom of expression.