Significant Legal Ruling in Marrakech
The Financial Crimes Chamber at the Court of Appeal in Marrakech delivered a verdict on Tuesday that has captured widespread attention, ultimately acquitting former mayor of Marrakech, العربي بلقايد, and his first deputy, يونس بنسليمان. This ruling pertains to the controversial contracts related to the COP22 climate conference, an event that took place in Marrakech and sparked extensive political and media discussions during its hosting.
This landmark decision follows a protracted judicial process, which included a review initiated by the Court of Cassation in Rabat. The higher court previously annulled the appellate ruling in this case, citing a deficiency in legal reasoning that compromised one of the fundamental guarantees of a fair trial. In July, the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation mandated the case to be reassessed by a different judicial body at the Marrakech Court of Appeal, allowing for a re-evaluation of the facts based on established legal principles.
The judicial panel responsible for the case accepted the appeal on procedural grounds and subsequently overturned the initial ruling against يونس بنسليمان, who had faced prior conviction. In a decisive turn of events, the court declared him not guilty, reaffirming his acquittal while upholding other aspects of the ruling and ordering the public treasury to bear the costs of the litigation. This conclusion brings closure to a case that has long captivated both local and national public interest.
As reported by belpresse.com.
