Legal Proceedings in the Case of Mohamed Benaissa Ait Jid Continue in Fez, Morocco
In a significant turn of events in the ongoing judicial saga surrounding the murder of leftist student Mohamed Benaissa Ait Jid, defense attorneys representing the rights holders have announced their intention to appeal the ruling made by the Appeals Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Fez on October 27, 2026. This decision comes in light of the court's previous ruling, which stated that the public prosecution against Abdelali Hamidine, a former leader of the Justice and Development Party, was dismissed due to prior adjudication.
This recent ruling was issued on October 22, when the judicial body, presided over by Justice Azzaar Amzian, overturned the initial verdict against Hamidine and declared the public prosecution extinct based on the principle of res judicata, while also stating that it lacked jurisdiction over civil claims. The case had previously seen Hamidine convicted by the primary criminal chamber of the Appeals Court in Fez, where he was sentenced to three years in prison after his actions were reclassified as participation in assault and battery leading to death without intent to kill. He subsequently appealed this verdict before the Appeals Chamber.
During the appellate discussions, the legal debate centered around the principle of res judicata in light of previous court rulings and procedures related to the case. Hamidine's defense argued that the events had already been subject to judicial scrutiny, while the civil rights holders' defense maintained that there were factors warranting a reevaluation of the case.
The origins of this case date back to February 25, 1993, when clashes erupted near the University of Dhar El Mahraz in Fez between Islamist and leftist students, resulting in the assault and subsequent death of student Mohamed Benaissa Ait Jid. This case has been the subject of a controversial judicial process for over 33 years.
The filing of the appeal by the rights holders is poised to open a new chapter in the judicial journey of this case, as all eyes turn to the Court of Cassation to determine the fate of the contested appellate ruling.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
