High-Profile Conviction of Mohamed Moubdii
The Criminal Chamber of First Instance at the Casablanca Court of Appeal delivered a significant ruling on Thursday, convicting former minister Mohamed Moubdii of embezzling public funds. The court sentenced him to a lengthy 13 years in prison and imposed a hefty fine of MAD 30 million (approximately $3 million). Born in 1954 in Fkih Ben Salah, Moubdii is a prominent figure within the opposition Popular Movement party and has served as a parliamentary deputy for many years. His political career is highlighted by an extensive tenure as the president of the commune of Fkih Ben Salah, a position he held for over two decades through six consecutive terms starting in 1997. This unwavering control over the city earned him the moniker of "emperor" among critics, who often referred to him as the "eternal president" of the municipality.
During his career, Moubdii held the role of Minister Delegate for Public Service from 2013 to 2016 under the leadership of Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, despite not possessing a baccalaureate degree. The charges levied against him were severe and included dilapidation and embezzlement of public funds, abuse of power, corruption, forgery, and the use of falsified documentation, as well as involvement in the creation of a counterfeit medical certificate. The case also included allegations of irregular banking transactions, unexplained financial transfers, and discrepancies in the awarding of public contracts linked to urban development initiatives in Fkih Ben Salah.
Trial and Defense Arguments
The trial spanned several months and saw Moubdii face his co-defendants, which included civil servants, contractors, and engineers. The prosecution firmly requested his conviction and the confiscation of funds associated with the alleged misconduct, presenting substantial evidence to support their claims. In a poignant moment before the presiding judge, Ali Torchi, deliberated on the case, Moubdii addressed the court, visibly emotional, expressing his faith in Moroccan justice and pleading for an acquittal. He lamented the personal toll the trial had taken on him and his family, reflecting on the pain stemming from a long-standing political and professional journey.
The defense team staunchly denied all accusations throughout the proceedings, emphasizing the oversight responsibilities of regional authorities in the Beni Mellal-Khénifra region. They sought to summon representatives from the Interior Ministry to testify on the commune's public contracts, arguing that all legal processes had been duly followed and validated by the ministry's audit systems, which, they claimed, should have highlighted any irregularities as they occurred. They also pointed to Moubdii's proven record in managing Fkih Ben Salah, asserting that the city's infrastructure was in better condition than certain areas in Casablanca that had recently experienced flooding. The other co-defendants echoed similar sentiments, categorically denying the charges and seeking acquittals.
The origins of the case can be traced back to a complaint filed in January 2020 by the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Funds, which alleged corruption in the awarding of public contracts and highlighted projects that had been approved and funded but never executed. In a separate judicial action, the Regional Court of Auditors in Beni Mellal levied a fine of MAD 6 million ($600,000) against Moubdii in February 2021 following an audit of procurement contracts during his administration.
Moubdii's arrest in April 2023 came just days after he was elected head of the Justice, Legislation, and Human Rights Committee, securing 250 out of 255 votes. This appointment was met with widespread public disapproval, with Mohamed El Ghalloussi, the head of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Funds, denouncing the election as a troubling signal to those engaged in the misappropriation of public resources and labeling it a national disgrace. The conviction of a former minister on corruption charges is a notable event in Morocco, as such occurrences are relatively rare, making Moubdii's sentencing one of the most significant anti-corruption rulings in recent years.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
