Legal Proceedings in the Fez Court of Appeal
On Thursday, June 18, 2026, the Fez Court of Appeal witnessed a significant chapter in a sensational criminal case that has captured the attention of both national and local audiences. This case involves a renowned psychologist and his associates, who are facing serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of patients suffering from psychological and mental disorders. Allegations against them include tricking these vulnerable individuals into attending fake therapy sessions filled with bizarre rituals rooted in deception and witchcraft, as well as pushing them towards the addiction of hard drugs and potent psychoactive substances.
The court's criminal chamber decided to postpone the hearing of this contentious case to July 9, 2026. This decision was made due to the complete absence of the defense attorneys representing the defendants, coinciding with a strike and protest by lawyers across various courts in the kingdom.
Previous Rulings and Sentencing Details
This latest development follows the conclusion of the initial phase of the trial in early March, where the primary psychologist was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined 200,000 dirhams for human trafficking, possession and consumption of heroin, and facilitating its use and distribution within supposed therapeutic environments.
The initial ruling included varying and severe penalties for the other members of the network involved. A photographer received a six-year prison sentence and a fine of 10,000 dirhams, while the psychologist's cousin, who works as a carpenter, was sentenced to five years in prison with a fine of 50,000 dirhams. Additionally, a retired nurse was given a one-year prison sentence and a fine of 5,000 dirhams for their participation in these acts.
Furthermore, penalties extended to the higher education sector, with a university professor specializing in psychology receiving a six-month prison term and a fine of 5,000 dirhams. The court also sentenced a Belgian investor managing a hotel unit, along with an employee at that establishment, to one year in prison, imposing fines of 20,000 dirhams for the foreign national and 5,000 dirhams for the assistant. The legal community now awaits the outcomes of the upcoming appeals in this high-stakes case.
As reported by alhakika24.com.
