Hit Radio and host Momo appeal prison sentence for staged phone theft

Moroccan radio station Hit Radio announced on Saturday that it was reiterating its support for its host Mohamed Bousfiha (Momo), who was sentenced in the first instance to four months in prison for staging a fake phone theft on air and disseminating false information.

In a press release sent to Yabiladi, the private channel reiterated its support for the radio host, who will appeal against the sentence. At the same time, it announced that it would also lodge an appeal against the rejection of its request as a civil party.

«Following the verdict handed down in first instance by the Casablanca Criminal Court concerning the case of the alleged theft of a telephone live on Hit Radio, on March 21, 2024, during the 'Momo Ramadan Show', we wish to inform the public that we support our presenter in his decision to appeal this judgment», the station said. Hit Radio's appeal as a civil party would see «the case re-examined by the Casablanca Court of Appeal», it added.

On Tuesday April 9, 2024, the Casablanca criminal court sentenced Momo to four months in jail for «staging a fake phone theft». Hit Radio's host was the subject of a judicial investigation, for having broadcast on air a call simulating a telephone theft.

The other two defendants were also sentenced to prison. The first defendant received five months, while the second will serve three months.

The three men were accused of «simulating theft, disseminating false information undermining citizens' sense of security via computer systems, and undermining a constituted body by making false statements».

The same court decided to dismiss the civil suit filed by Hit Radio, which had previously denied any involvement of its host in the events. Momo was released on bail of 100,000 dirhams.