The Primary Criminal Chamber specializing in financial crimes at the Court of Appeal in Marrakech has officially concluded the preliminary stage of the case surrounding the management of the wholesale market for fruits and vegetables. The court issued its verdicts against several officials and employees who were prosecuted while on bail, amidst allegations of misappropriation of public funds and forgery of official documents.
The court ruled to drop the charges against the former mayor of Marrakech, the late Omar Jazouli, due to his passing. Additionally, one of the accused, referred to by the initials "M.Z.", was acquitted of all charges after the court was convinced of the lack of evidence supporting the allegations against him.
Conversely, the judicial body convicted five defendants, identified as "M.Z.", "M.M.", "M.K.", "A.F.", and "M.M.", sentencing them to two years in prison—one year of which is to be served, while the other year is suspended. Furthermore, each was fined 50,000 dirhams.
The court's judgment also extended to the remaining defendants in the case, sentencing them to one year of suspended imprisonment, along with a definitive fine of 20,000 dirhams for each individual. They were also ordered to bear the costs and minimum enforcement where applicable.
Following the announcement of the verdicts, all convicted individuals were informed of their legal right to appeal the decision within the legally specified timeframe.
This case has drawn significant public attention due to its association with the management of one of Marrakech's key economic facilities, raising questions about the governance of public funds and the adherence to legal and administrative procedures within the wholesale market for fruits and vegetables.
As reported by telegraphe.ma.
