The primary criminal chamber specialized in financial crimes at the Court of Appeal in Marrakech has concluded the preliminary phase of the case concerning the management of the wholesale fruit and vegetable market. The court has issued its rulings against several officials and employees who were prosecuted while at liberty, amidst allegations of embezzlement of public funds and forgery of official documents.
The court declared the public prosecution against the late former mayor of Marrakech, Omar Jazouli, to be extinguished due to his death. Additionally, one of the defendants, identified by the initials "M.Z.", was acquitted of all charges after the court was convinced that the actions he was accused of did not occur.
On the contrary, the judicial panel convicted five defendants—"M.Z.", "M.M.", "M.K.", "A.F.", and "M.M."—sentencing them to two years of imprisonment, one year of which is to be served and the other suspended, alongside a financial penalty of 50,000 Dirhams for each individual.
The rulings also extended to the remaining defendants in the case, with the court imposing a one-year suspended prison sentence and a financial penalty of 20,000 Dirhams for each accused, in addition to obligating them to cover court costs when applicable.
Following the announcement of the verdicts, all convicted individuals were notified of their legal right to appeal the decision within the legally specified timeframe.
This case has captured significant local public interest, given its connection to the management of one of the most prominent economic facilities in Marrakech. It has raised numerous questions regarding the governance of public funds and the extent to which legal and administrative procedures are adhered to within the wholesale fruit and vegetable market.
As reported by telegraphe.ma.
