06-03-2025
CNDH Calls for Respect of Minor's Privacy in Hicham Jerando Case
Rabat– The Regional Human Rights Committee for the Casablanca-Settat region, under the directive of the President of the National Human Rights Council, Amina Bouyaach, is closely monitoring the case of a young 14-year-old girl, recently placed in custody at a child protection center.
The Council stated that it is following the child's situation, both in court, as was the case today, and at the child protection center, where several family members were invited to join her for ftour.
In addition, the CNDH urged the public to stop sharing the child's identity, name, and image, as this could violate her privacy and lead to potential psychological harm.
The Council's involvement reflects its ongoing mission to safeguard the rights of children involved with the law.
Authorities in Casablanca placed the minor in the child protection center following her alleged involvement in a cyber extortion and defamation case linked to a network operating from Canada. The minor has been identified as being connected to Canada-based Moroccan Youtuber Hicham Jerando.
According to the public prosecutor at the Casablanca court, four individuals have been placed in custody, while the minor was referred to a juvenile judge, who ordered her placement at the Abdeslam Bennani Child Protection Center.
Officials clarified that this measure was taken in accordance with legal procedures for minors and to ensure her protection, refuting claims that she had been incarcerated prior to the transfer.
Investigations revealed that the minor was responsible for acquiring and providing SIM cards used in acts of cyber extortion, blackmail, and defamation by the primary suspect — who is currently on the run abroad.
Meanwhile, authorities continue their probe into other individuals linked to the case, with additional suspects held in police custody at the National Brigade of Judicial Police in Casablanca.
Investigations are ongoing to unravel all the details of this case, which, in addition to attracting media attention, is sparking a heated debate about the use of minors in complex criminal networks. Tags: Amina bouyaachCNDHHicham Jerando Caseminors
