The investigative judge of the first chamber at the Court of Appeal in Fes has concluded the preliminary investigation phase concerning the tragic collapse of two buildings in the "Moustakbal" subdivision of the Al-Massira neighborhood, which resulted in 22 fatalities and 16 injuries in December of the previous year. This conclusion follows a detailed inquiry involving 19 defendants, including eight in pre-trial detention and eleven released, among whom are the president of the Zouagha district and his deputy.
According to consistent reports, the investigative judge has forwarded the case file to the public prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Fes for final conclusions, paving the way for necessary legal actions and the case's referral to the criminal court to adjudicate the charges against the accused.
This development follows a decision made by the investigative judge in April, which involved pursuing eight defendants in custody as part of the investigation initiated by the public prosecutor to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragedy and to establish accountability.
The public prosecutor had previously announced in a statement that the results of technical and judicial investigations led to the prosecution of 21 individuals, with eight detained for preventive custody while continuing to investigate the remaining defendants who are out on bail. The technical assessments and field inspections revealed serious violations in the construction and urban planning sectors, notably the illegal construction of additional floors without the necessary permits, the use of second-hand building materials, and the unlawful transfer of air rights. Furthermore, contracts for sale were drafted outside legal frameworks, and occupancy certificates were issued without adhering to applicable legislative and regulatory provisions.
Based on the investigation's findings, the public prosecutor is pursuing the suspects for actions suspected of being classified as serious crimes, including involuntary manslaughter, corruption, mismanagement of non-assignable property, and issuing administrative certificates without legal justification. The authorities have confirmed their commitment to follow the case closely until all judicial stages are completed.
This incident stands out as one of the most significant urban development cases that has shaken the city of Fes in recent years, reigniting discussions regarding the responsibilities of various stakeholders in the construction sector, the adherence to urban regulations, and the imperative need for stricter oversight to protect citizens' lives and prevent the recurrence of such disasters.
As reported by ar.hibapress.com.
