Association members sentenced for embezzling school dropout funds in Morocco

On Tuesday, the Court of Appeal in Fez handed down prison sentences and fines to the head of the Aman Foundation for Sustainable Education and several of its members. The charges stem from the embezzlement of public funds designated to reduce school dropout rates in rural areas.

The court sentenced the president and the treasurer of the organization to four years in prison, each with a fine of 40,000 dirhams. Two other members were given one-year prison terms, with fines of 20,000 dirhams and 10,000 dirhams, respectively. Additionally, another member received a two-year sentence and a 10,000 dirham fine. The sister of the association's president was acquitted of all charges.

The investigation was initiated by the judicial police in Fez after an employee from an educational institution filed a complaint. The complaint accused the foundation's officials of misappropriating funds meant for educational subsidies. The public prosecution subsequently charged the defendants with forgery and embezzlement of public funds.

The arrests took place on January 23, 2024, in Fez, Rabat, and Sefrou, coordinated with the General Directorate of Territorial Surveillance. Following the arrests, the public prosecution decided to detain some of the suspects in pretrial detention.