Corruption Sentencing Confirmed in Fez
In a significant ruling that underscores Morocco's commitment to combatting corruption, the Appeals Chamber of the Financial Crimes Court in Rabat has upheld the sentencing of a former deputy prosecutor in Fez, who faced serious allegations of extortion. This decision comes in response to accusations made by Hassan Belmakhfi, a member of parliament from the Authenticity and Modernity Party representing the Moulay Yacoub district, who claimed that the former official attempted to extort him.
Approximately 20 months ago, the judicial official was sentenced to two years in prison, with one of those years being suspended, and was also fined 5,000 dirhams. The court found him guilty of "receiving bribes through the solicitation of gifts in exchange for performing duties associated with his position." However, he was acquitted of the charges of fraud and abuse of power. This case was initiated following a complaint lodged by MP Hassan Belmakhfi, who accused the former deputy prosecutor of blackmail.
The investigation revealed a video that depicted the parliamentarian placing a sum of money into the car of the former judicial officer during a meeting at a café located at the entrance of the highway between Fez and Rabat. This video played a crucial role in supporting Belmakhfi's allegations, leading to a formal inquiry into the matter. Notably, Belmakhfi had previously exposed other judicial and security officials under similar circumstances, suggesting a pattern of extortion in unclear situations.
This parliamentary figure had a history of entangling judicial officials, including a case involving an official in Imen Tanout and another security officer, before ultimately leading to the conviction of the deputy prosecutor, who was tried under provisional release during the proceedings.
As reported by aljarida24.ma.
