Fez psychiatrist sentenced to 20 years for sexually assaulting patients

The preliminary criminal chamber of the Court of Appeal in Fez has sentenced a local psychiatrist to 20 years in prison and fined him 200,000 dirhams after convicting him of human trafficking. The case involved the sexual assault of female patients at his private clinic, as well as charges related to the possession and consumption of hard drugs, including heroin, and facilitating their use by others. The psychiatrist, who specialized in treating mental health disorders and addiction, was

Morocco launches 2026 military service registration for youth aged 19 to 25

Under the directives of King Mohammed VI, Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the Royal Armed Forces, the registration process for the 2026 military service began on Monday, March 2, and will run until April 30. The initiative targets young people aged 19 to 25 as of September 1, with a view to enrolling them in the next intake of conscripts scheduled for September 1, 2026. In accordance with the legal provisions governing military service, the Central Census Commission, chaired by

Tetouan authorities ban solidarity rally with Iran

On Monday, March 2, authorities in Tetouan prevented a protest planned in the city center. The demonstration, organized by the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalization, was intended to denounce the American and Israeli strikes on Iran. Security forces dispersed dozens of demonstrators amid a heavy police presence, according to videos circulating on social media. Some protesters were chased into nearby alleys, and several activists were detained before being released

Airspace closures force Royal Air Maroc to cancel Doha and Dubai flights

Royal Air Maroc has announced the cancellation of all flights to and from Doha and Dubai scheduled for March 3 due to the closure of airspace in both destinations. In a statement shared on X on Monday, the airline said it remains fully mobilized and is closely monitoring developments to ensure a safe resumption of operations once conditions allow. It also warned that, amid the ongoing closure of certain Middle Eastern airspaces, additional flights may be affected. To minimize disruption,

Cybersecurity: Morocco structures its strategic response under the palace's guidance

On September 1st, King Mohammed VI appointed Brigadier General Abdellah Boutrig to lead the General Directorate of Information System Security (DGSSI), operating under the National Defense Administration. Six months into his tenure, the framework designed to bolster the kingdom's defense against cyberattacks is beginning to take shape. «A key figure from the Palace and his close associate are spearheading this initiative», reported Africa Intelligence on Monday, March 2nd. The

Morocco and Belgium to establish security dialogue against common threats

In the coming months, Morocco and Belgium are poised to lay «the foundations of a security dialogue» aimed at coordinating their efforts against shared threats, Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita announced on Monday. This declaration came during a joint press conference with Belgian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot. «These challenges necessitate close cooperation between our two countries», Bourita emphasized, highlighting the fight

Geneva: International NGOs accuse Algeria of politicizing UN mechanisms

On the sidelines of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, several civil society organizations expressed concern over what they described as the growing politicization of UN mechanisms, particularly within the ECOSOC Committee on NGOs in New York. Algeria was specifically mentioned during the discussions, with some participants questioning the impartiality of certain initiatives. The NGOs warned that civic space is increasingly under pressure, arguing that some administrative

Belgium reaffirms support for Morocco’s Autonomy Plan in Sahara

The Kingdom of Belgium on Monday reaffirmed its clear and consistent support for Morocco’s Autonomy Initiative under Moroccan sovereignty, describing it as «the most adequate, serious, credible, and realistic basis» for achieving a fair, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution to the regional dispute over the Sahara. The position was expressed by Belgium’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Foreign Trade, Maxime

Middle East crisis: Moroccan Umrah pilgrim recounts mid-air scare

This year’s Umrah season is unfolding amid heightened security tensions in the Middle East, with widespread airspace disruptions and flight cancellations following the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks. The situation is affecting Moroccans traveling to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan to perform Umrah. While en route to Medina, a Moroccan-French pilgrim described a frightening experience during his journey. «Our flight crossed paths with fighter jets in

France: Verdict in Saint-Ouen murders highlights organized crime links to Morocco

On Friday, the Special Assize Court of Bobigny outlined the reasoning behind the verdict delivered two days earlier in the case concerning the murders of Tidiane and Sofiane, who were killed in a shooting in September 2020 in Saint-Ouen. The five defendants were found guilty of murder and attempted murder as part of an organized gang, as well as criminal conspiracy. On September 14, 2020, gunfire erupted in a basement of the Soubise housing project. Sofiane, 25, and Tidiane, 17, were killed.

Moroccan consulate in Las Palmas condemned for workplace harassment as ruling becomes final

The ruling against the Moroccan consulate in Las Palmas, Canary Islands, ordering it to pay €20,000 in compensation to an employee for workplace harassment and mistreatment, has now become final. The consulate failed to file an appeal within the legally prescribed timeframe, despite initially announcing its intention to do so. The Social Chamber of the Court of First Instance in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria issued its judgment on November 10, 2025, instructing the consulate to «cease

Snowfall, thunderstorms and cold weather to hit Morocco this week

The General Directorate of Meteorology has announced that snowfall, thunderstorms, heavy rain, strong winds, and a cold wave are expected from Monday, through Thursday across several regions of the Kingdom. In an «orange»-level weather alert, the Directorate stated that snowfall is expected at elevations above 1,400 meters. Accumulations of 25 to 35 cm are forecast in the provinces of Taroudant, Al Haouz, Azilal, and Ouarzazate, while 15 to 25 cm are expected in Midelt, Beni

Medhi Benatia breaks silence, explains decision to stay at OM until season’s end

Former Morocco national team captain Medhi Benatia has broken his silence over his brief departure from French club Olympique de Marseille (OM). After initially announcing his resignation, the sporting director agreed to remain until the end of the season at the request of owner Frank McCourt. «For many reasons, I could not abandon the club under these circumstances», Benatia said. «I accepted the owner’s request to stay until the end of the season, out of a sense

Mysterious disappearance of one-year-old sparks search in Zagora province

Residents of Douar Ouled El Achab in Zagora province launched an extensive search operation on Sunday evening, March 1, after a one-year-old child vanished under mysterious circumstances. Details surrounding the child's disappearance remain unclear at this moment. According to posts circulating on Facebook, the child went missing right after the afternoon prayer. His family quickly realized he was gone and issued urgent appeals for assistance, providing a contact number for anyone with

Tangier investigates Spanish visa fraud amid document forgery allegations

The public prosecutor’s office in Tangier has launched a judicial investigation into numerous cases linked to Spanish visa applications. This move follows a referral from the Spanish Consulate General in the city, amid suspicions of forged documents and inaccurate information. The findings revealed that an audit of several Schengen visa applications uncovered discrepancies and false information, particularly in employment contracts, salary certificates, and bank statements. These

Moroccan Federation supports Omar El Hilali against Racism in La Liga match

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has expressed its «absolute and unconditional» solidarity with Moroccan international Omar El Hilali following the «offensive» remarks he was subjected to during Sunday’s match between his club Espanyol Barcelona and Elche, as part of the 26th round of the Spanish League. In a statement published on its official website last night, the federation reaffirmed its «categorical rejection of all forms of racism and

Moroccan International Munir El Haddadi leaves Iran by road after failed evacuation flight

Moroccan international Munir El Haddadi, who plays for Iran Pro League club Esteghlal F.C., has confirmed that he left Iran amid escalating tensions following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes. In an Instagram story posted on Sunday, he wrote that he left the country by road after being unable to depart by air. «The plan was to leave the country by air, but we were ultimately evacuated from the plane and were unable to take off», he told his fans. With assistance from his club, El

Morocco sets up crisis cell and emergency hotline for nationals in the Middle East

A crisis cell has been established by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates to address the concerns of Moroccan nationals residing in the Middle East. In a statement, the ministry said it is «closely monitoring the latest developments concerning the Moroccan community living in the Middle East». Moroccan nationals in the region are urged to exercise the utmost caution and vigilance, and to strictly comply with the instructions issued by the