Investigation and Charges Filed in Fez Building Collapse
On August 4, 2026, at 12:15 PM, the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Fez submitted the case file concerning the collapse of two residential buildings in the "Mustaqbal" neighborhood of the Zouagha district to the primary criminal chamber responsible for financial crimes. This tragic incident, which occurred last December, resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals and injured 16 others. The case involves 21 defendants, including eight who are in custody and 11 who are released on bail.
The list of those charged includes several elected officials, public employees, and local authority agents, notably the head of the Zouagha district, Ismail Al-Jai, and his deputy, Abdullah Al-Hadaf. Additionally, the owners of the collapsed buildings, various municipal employees, a contractor, a real estate intermediary, engineers, public notaries, and local authority agents are also implicated.
The trial sessions are expected to begin next week, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, presided over by Judge Muhammad Al-Lahia. The sessions will address the charges against the defendants following the completion of detailed interrogations by the investigating judge in the first chamber and the subsequent referral of the file to the Attorney General for his conclusions.
Revealed Irregularities During Construction
According to findings from the judicial and technical investigations, serious irregularities were uncovered regarding the construction of the two buildings. These include the creation of additional floors without obtaining the necessary legal permits, the use of second-hand construction materials, and the illegal transfer of air rights.
The investigations also revealed violations related to the drafting of sales contracts outside legal frameworks and the issuance of administrative certificates without adhering to applicable regulations. Such issues point to significant mismanagement within the urban planning files.
In a previous statement, the Attorney General at the Court of Appeal in Fez announced that the results of the technical and judicial investigations led to the prosecution of several individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities, including "causing involuntary manslaughter and injury, bribery, mismanagement of non-transferable assets, and issuing administrative certificates without legal justification." As a result, eight defendants have been placed in pretrial detention, while others are being pursued under conditions of release.
The public prosecution has confirmed its commitment to monitor this case until all judicial stages are completed, ensuring that the public is kept informed of developments due to the significant interest and discussions surrounding the responsibilities of stakeholders in the construction and urban planning sector.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
