Failure to report leads to new trial for Mayor of Fez

The Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Fez is preparing to hold the first session of a new trial for the city’s mayor, scheduled for October 19th, in connection with charges related to the failure to report financial and administrative corruption within the Fez municipality.

The details of this case date back about three years, when investigations led to the involvement and arrest of several elected officials, civil servants, and contractors. One of the most prominent figures convicted at the time was former MP Abdelkader El Boussiri, who was sentenced to eight years in prison.

This new judicial step follows a decision by the Court of Cassation to overturn the previous appellate ruling against the mayor and refer the entire case to another judicial body within the same court for a retrial.

It is noteworthy that the Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal had previously sentenced both the mayor of Fez and the former council secretary to six months in prison each for the same charge of failing to report a felony, in cases linked to irregularities in contracts, embezzlement of public funds, and abuse of power.