‘I'm Not a Thief:' Mustapha Lakhsem Banned From Leaving Morocco
Doha – Former kickboxing world champion and Imouzzer Kandar mayor Mustapha Lakhsem is facing some legal trouble. The investigating judge at the Fez Court of Appeal imposed a travel ban against him, following allegations of financial misconduct and public funds misappropriation.
Lakhsem appeared Monday before the criminal chamber specializing in financial crimes. The court mandated his provisional release on a MAD 20,000 ($2,000) bail. The judge also prohibited him from leaving Moroccan territory. His next hearing awaits on May 19.
The case originated from a complaint filed by four Imouzzer Kandar council members. They accuse the Popular Movement (MP) party member of questionable practices in managing temporary municipal employees. The allegations encompass embezzlement and waste of public funds.
Lakhsem promptly addressed the travel ban through his Instagram account. 'I don't understand why the judge made this decision…I'm not a thief, I just wanted to sincerely serve my country,' he stated. He noted that the restriction hampers him professionally, as he routinely travels between Morocco and Europe for his activities.
His legal team intends to appeal the decision. Lakhsem declared he will not pay the bail, asserting that doing so would constitute an admission of guilt. 'I could be arrested and that's not a problem, because I haven't done anything illegal,' he added.
This represents Lakhsem's continuing legal challenges. His troubles commenced in March 2023 when he publicly accused the provincial governor of pressuring him to award public contracts to specific companies. He requested an audit and contacted the interior minister directly. Governor Omar Touimi Benjelloun responded with a defamation lawsuit.
Weeks later, the court summoned Lakhsem and demanded a MAD 50,000 ($5,000) bail for his release. He refused to pay, declaring he would rather go to prison 'than pay a single dirham.' The court eventually withdrew this bail requirement.
In March of this year, amid growing tensions, Lakhsem announced his intention to resign as mayor. He cited a 'systematic blockage' impeding all planned development projects for the city. 'I came to work and contribute to the development of my hometown, but certain authorities have stood in my way,' he conveyed.
Lakhsem scheduled his official resignation for October 1, after completing ongoing projects and resolving legal disputes. He expressed wanting to depart from office 'with peace of mind and clean hands.'
In Imouzzer Kandar, residents remain divided. Some regard Lakhsem as a local hero challenging the system. Others view him as failing to deliver on his promise of change. Several municipal councilors criticize his governance as authoritarian and unpredictable. Some even call for his removal from office.
The May 19 hearing may prove decisive for Lakhsem's future. The investigating judge will resume detailed questioning and examine the evidence. If the allegations receive confirmation, other municipal or administrative officials could also face legal consequences.
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