The General Directorate of National Security in Morocco addressed concerns on Monday, March 23, regarding a misleading article published in the British newspaper Daily Mail. The article contained inaccurate information and false claims concerning the circumstances surrounding an investigation involving a British national while he was in Morocco.
In a statement provided to the news site "assafir 24," the security services highlighted several inaccuracies in the article, particularly a claim made by the individual's mother. She stated that "his arrest was due to distributing food aid for children" and that he was "detained, imprisoned, and prevented from contacting his family." However, the General Directorate of National Security clarified that all allegations related to the "arrest" of the British citizen and the “deprivation of his freedom and placement in a jail cell” are entirely unfounded, emphasizing that the published information is completely devoid of accuracy.
Furthermore, the security services categorically denied the narrative linking the investigation to any alleged charitable activities, stressing that the individual was under judicial investigation for suspected criminal acts under Moroccan law. These acts pertain to the unauthorized photographing and broadcasting of images of individuals, including minors who are legally protected regarding their personal data.
In compliance with directives from the competent public prosecutor's office, the British citizen was subjected to judicial inquiry without being placed under provisional detention, and was subsequently presented to the judiciary while free. It was decided that the dates for his trial sessions would be set in accordance with the applicable legal procedures.
In a related context, it was reported that the tourism police in Marrakech intervened following complaints from citizens. They apprehended the individual in Jemaa el-Fnaa square while he was photographing and broadcasting digital content documenting vulnerable individuals, most of whom were minors, without obtaining their consent or that of their guardians, under the pretext of providing material assistance.
The statement concluded by reaffirming that, after notifying the competent public prosecutor's office, instructions were issued to subject the suspect to a thorough judicial investigation. His mobile phone was also made available to a digital evidence analysis laboratory to examine its contents for any potentially criminal digital materials while ensuring all his legal rights throughout the inquiry process.
As reported by assafir24.ma.
