The Fez Court of Appeal handed down harsh sentences to 14 officials, including the city’s mayor, sentenced to up to 27 years in prison for their involvement in acts of corruption and embezzlement of public funds . This verdict marks an important step in the fight against corruption in Morocco, strengthening efforts to restore integrity in public management in Fez.
The Fez Court of Appeal recently issued a harsh verdict in a case of corruption and embezzlement of public funds, sentencing 14 officials, including the city’s mayor, last Wednesday. The sentences carry up to 27 years in prison for some of the accused.
Among those convicted, USFPeist Abdelkader El Boussairi saw his sentence increase from five to eight years in prison, accompanied by a fine of 100,000 dirhams. This decision marks a tightening compared to the previous sentence. In addition, Mayor Abdeslam Bekkali and his secretary, initially acquitted, were each sentenced to six months in prison.
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The former coordinator of the Constitutional Union (UC) party in Fez saw his sentence increased from 10 months to 3 years in prison, while an entrepreneur saw his sentence increase from 3 to 5 years in prison.
The Court also confirmed previous judgments against four other defendants, thus marking a firm conclusion in this case which shook the community of Fez.
Last February, the financial crimes chamber of the Fez criminal court closed the case on a vast network of financial and administrative corruption involving the deputy and third deputy mayor of Fez, Abdelkader El Boussairi, as well as several civil servants and entrepreneurs from the region. This initial verdict sentenced the MP to five years in prison and a fine of 100,000 dirhams, while other defendants were also severely punished.
This decision by the Fez Court of Appeal represents a significant step in the fight against corruption in Morocco, underscoring the authorities’ commitment to rigorously punishing wrongdoing that undermines public trust and diverts resources intended for general well-being .
