Judicial Ruling in Marrakech Acquits Former Mayor and Deputy
On Tuesday, the Financial Crimes Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Marrakech issued a verdict acquitting the former mayor of Marrakech, العربي بلقايد, and his first deputy, يونس بنسليمان. The judicial decision confirmed that the appeal was accepted procedurally; however, on the substantive aspects, the previous conviction against يونس بنسليمان was overturned. The court declared that he would not be held accountable for the charges against him and officially ruled in his favor, while also affirming the remainder of the previous ruling and placing the legal costs on the public treasury.
The case, linked to the "COP 22 Climate Conference Contracts," previously experienced a significant judicial development on July 23, when the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Cassation in Rabat annulled the decision made by the Court of Appeal in Marrakech. According to the reasoning provided by the Court of Cassation, it was established that the contested ruling from the Court of Appeal was "deficient in reasoning to the point of being nonexistent." This deficiency was deemed a violation of the principle of justification, which is a fundamental guarantee of a fair trial.
Consequently, the Court of Cassation ordered the case to be sent back to the Court of Appeal in Marrakech, but this time before a different panel. This measure aims to ensure the proper administration of justice and the application of dual-instance litigation rules, opening the door for a new round in this contentious case that has sparked widespread debate in political and media circles.
As reported by journal24.ma.
