Tragic Incident in Fez Leads to Criminal Investigation
On April 16, 2026, the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Fez announced that a request had been submitted to an investigating judge to initiate a judicial inquiry involving 21 individuals. This action stems from a catastrophic event that occurred on December 9, 2025, when two buildings in the city collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of 22 lives and injuries to 16 others. The investigation aims to uncover the circumstances surrounding this disaster and hold those responsible accountable.
Legal Violations and Consequences
According to an official statement from the judicial authorities, this initiative is based on the findings from investigations conducted by the public prosecutor's office, which included technical reports revealing that the collapsed buildings underwent expansion work without obtaining the necessary legal permits. Furthermore, it was discovered that recycled construction materials were used that did not meet established standards. Other legal violations were noted, including the illegal transfer of construction rights vertically and the issuance of contracts outside the legal framework. Additionally, administrative certificates were issued without adhering to the applicable legal and regulatory requirements. Consequently, the public prosecutor has filed charges related to involuntary manslaughter, causing unintentional injuries, corruption in its various forms, mismanagement of non-transferable assets, and participating in these actions, as well as issuing unearned administrative certificates. The investigating judge has ordered the detention of eight defendants while allowing the remaining suspects to remain free, ensuring that investigations continue to uncover all aspects of this case. The public prosecutor's office will keep the public informed of any developments in accordance with the law. Sources indicate that the case involves local authority officials, municipal employees, and contractors, highlighting the broader implications of this incident on community safety and regulatory compliance.
As reported by journal24.ma.
