chargement...
The Preliminary Criminal Court of Ain Sebaa in Casablanca began deliberations on Tuesday in the case of a local authority agent from the Benslimane province, arrested in connection with the recent Generation Z protests that swept several Moroccan cities. The verdict is expected to be announced next Thursday.
The defendant faces charges of «participating in an unarmed gathering without authorization» and «insulting the judicial police by providing false information» following his arrest during the demonstrations in the economic capital.
During the hearing, the defense expressed surprise over the defendant’s detention and placement in Oukacha Prison, arguing that there is insufficient evidence to justify his conviction. They maintained that the charges against him «have no legal or factual basis».
Mohamed Lakhder, a member of the defense team, stated that his client neither provided false information nor engaged in behavior that could be construed as insulting to the judicial police. He said he submitted to the court a university registration certificate proving his client’s student status, refuting the allegation of providing false information.
As for the charge of participating in an unauthorized gathering, the defense argued that the prosecution’s case «contradicts constitutional principles guaranteeing the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression».
The defense added that their client had not participated in any demonstrations, insisting he merely happened to be in Casablanca at the time to visit his family, and that his arrest stemmed from a «misjudgment of the circumstances».
