The Primary Court in Marrakech has rendered a preliminary verdict of acquittal for the online newspaper "Bayan Marrakech" and its publishing director, journalist Salah Eddine Zandi, concerning the allegations leveled against them. This decision comes in response to a complaint filed by the Deputy Chairman of the Al-Manara District Council, who believed himself to be the subject of an article previously published by the newspaper.
The complainant accused the newspaper and its director of committing offenses including defamation, slander, and invasion of privacy. He sought civil damages amounting to no less than 200,000 dirhams, claiming that the content of the published article had caused him direct harm.
Following a thorough examination of the case and the pertinent details surrounding it, the court accepted the complaint formally but ultimately ruled to acquit the defendants of all charges. The court also decided that the complainant would bear the costs associated with the case.
Furthermore, the court declared that it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on the civil demands, leaving these matters to the appropriate authorities for further consideration.
This initial ruling marks a significant turning point in the legal proceedings that had been directed at both the newspaper and its publishing director regarding issues related to journalistic publication. The court concluded that the facts presented did not warrant a conviction.
As reported by jamaalfnapress.ma.
