| Salima Ziani | |||
| Native Name: | ⵙⴰⵍⵉⵎⴰ | ||
| Birth Name: | Salima Ziani | ||
| Birth Place: | Afzar, Al-Hoceima, Morocco | ||
| Disappeared Place: | Al-Hoceima, Morocco | ||
| Nationality: | Moroccan | ||
| Other Names: | Silya Ziani | ||
| Alma Mater: | Mohammed First University | ||
| Known For: | Hirak Rif Movement | ||
| Relatives: | Massinissa of the Rif (cousin) | ||
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Salima Ziani (Tifinagh: ⵙⴰⵍⵉⵎⴰ, ; born in 1994) also known as Silya is a Moroccan singer-songwriter, human rights activist, feminist, and ex-political prisoner.[1] [2] [3] She was born and grew up in the Afzar neighborhood of Al Hoceima.[4] She later moved to Imzouren, in the Rif Region, where she's originally from.[5] She is the youngest of six siblings: four sisters and two brothers.
She enrolled at Mohammed First University in Oujda, majoring in Amazigh studies.
Ziani specializes in izran, a traditional form of poetry performed by women, popular throughout the Rif.[6]
Ziani is quoted in an article by Ali Jaouate in al-Aoual saying: "I try, despite the difficulties in this patriarchal society, to constantly establish myself as well as my presence in the Hirak, so that the Rifi woman is present."[1]
At 23 years old, Ziani was arrested after the 20 February 2017 Al Hoceima protests, part of the Hirak Rif.[1] She was later given a royal pardon by King Mohammed VI on July 23, 2017—the 18th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.[7] She was released on July 29, 2017.[8]