An imam arrested near Marrakech for alleged sexual assault of minors

Last Friday evening, the Royal Gendarmerie apprehended an imam at a Quranic school in Sidi Zouine, on the outskirts of Marrakech. He is suspected of sexually assaulting minors who attended his religious lessons.

According to the newspaper Assabah, the 27-year-old suspect had recently arrived in the village after being appointed as the mosque's imam, with the responsibility of teaching children. He allegedly enticed his victims to the official residence linked to the religious facility. Initial investigations reveal at least two victims, aged between 7 and 8, who suffered repeated sexual abuse. The accused reportedly manipulated their fear of scandal and punishment to continue his exploitation.

The case emerged when the victims' families observed unusual behavioral changes in their children, leading them to file an official complaint. During questioning, the children confirmed the assaults. As a result, the Royal Gendarmerie swiftly moved to arrest the suspect.