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Morocco World
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's FGD Demands Urgent Probe Into Alleged High-Level Corruption Detailed in Leaked Documents
Rabat – The Democratic Left Federation (FGD) is not turning a page on the controversial case of Jabaroot, an Algerian hacking group involved in leaking alleged sensitive documents related to real estate, social security, and more. The leftist party stated on Sunday, calling for an investigation into the recent leaks, with the party sharing 'deep concern' on the growing cases of conflicts and abuse of power in the country. FGD took issue with leaked documents from the Algerian hacking group, which claimed it hacked the database of several Moroccan institutions like CNSS, and some ministries, most of which responded to the hacking allegations, denying that the breaches had affected their database and systems. Despite reassurances about citizens' concerns and privacy, the government received a backlash and demands, questioning the country's cybersecurity strength. Meanwhile, many people expressed concern and took issue with the leaks that concern real estate ownership, social security data of employees, and other sensitive content. While the leaked document was not proved to be authentic, the FGD alleged suspicious deals and transfers were 'granted to individuals or companies closely linked to, or owned by, top government officials.' 'This comes about what has been reported in the media and revealed in the 'Jabaroot' leaks, which suggests the involvement of current government ministers in cases of corruption and abuse of influence,' the party said, urging for an intervention. The party alleged that the case includes a 'female minister,' accusing her of 'exploiting insider information related to urban planning designs for illicit personal gain.' The statement also points out a reference to 'another minister' accused of 'attempted fraud and deception to evade tax obligations.' For FGD, these actions, although unproven, are a 'severe violation of the principle of integrity and neutrality expected of all public officials.' In a strongly worded recommendation, the FGD said it 'condemns all forms of corruption, calling on the country's public prosecutor to 'act immediately by opening a transparent investigation that is serious and impartial into all the cases raised by the leaks, and to assign responsibilities and apply all legal consequences.' It also calls for the establishment of a national day of protest against corruption, noting that the date and location of similar demonstrations will be announced at a later time. In addition to FGD, the Justice and Development Party's (PJD) Abdelilah Benkirane wrote a strongly-worded statement on Facebook on Sunday, accusing a minister of falsifying an official document submitted to tax authorities to evade taxes. Benkirane did not explicitly reference the minister's name, but converging reports said the accusations were directed against Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. 'The resignation of this minister is a necessary dedicated by the rule of law and institutions and by the principle of accountability,' Benkirane wrote on Facebook.
Ya Biladi
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Unclear expropriations leave Rabat residents in disarray
Estimated read time: 3' Faced with bulldozers, residents of the Océan and Sania Gharbia neighborhoods in Rabat are left bewildered. Expropriations and demolitions are underway, yet the purpose of these projects remains unclear. The process has drawn criticism from local councilors of the Democratic Left Federation (FGD), who highlight irregularities in the implementation of the urban development plan—particularly the fact that expropriations began before the plan was even published in the Official Bulletin last February and without the legally required public inquiry. «We have no documents or testimonies confirming a socio-economic project involving the expropriated owners, and this issue has never been addressed», says Omar El Hyani, an FGD representative on the Rabat City Council, speaking to Yabiladi. «Océan and Sania Gharbia hold a unique status, especially the latter, one of the city's oldest neighborhoods. It was the first extension outside the medina walls built for Muslims, while the modern neighborhood along Mohammed V Avenue was developed for Europeans», he recalls. In this historically Muslim neighborhood, «most houses are legally built, with permits and land deeds, except for a few weakened by time», El Hyani notes. Echoing the concerns of affected residents and property owners, who spoke out during an FGD press conference in Rabat, he adds: «The pasha of Hassan visited, instructing people to leave quickly, following orders 'from above,' without identifying the source of the decision». Who Benefits from the Expropriation? On the ground, most residents have been tenants for decades. Some have complied with the authorities' instructions but question the transparency of the process, while others have demanded the legal basis for the decision. «So far, we have received no clear justification», asserts El Hyani. He reminds that «expropriations must be carried out under a public utility decree—whether for a road, a hospital, or a school. Without this, authorities cannot legally force residents from their homes, especially since private property is protected by the Constitution». «These people are being intimidated. Some owners have accepted compensation offers of 13,000 DH per square meter, while those withcustomary property titles but not registered with the land registry are offered 10,000 DH/m². Some have taken the offer, but the biggest mystery remains the identity of the buyer». Omar El Hyani, FGD elected official in Rabat For now, those who agreed to sell have yet to receive compensation and remain unaware of who exactly is purchasing the land. «From what we have gathered, these are investors seeking to establish themselves along Rabat's coastline. However, the state cannot expropriate private property on behalf of another private entity», El Hyani explains. He emphasizes that «expropriation is strictly regulated by law, which is why we highlight the intimidation tactics being used. Public testimonies and the information we have gathered as councilors confirm this. If people choose not to believe it, that's another matter». While official details remain unclear, expropriations and demolitions continue, prompting FGD representatives to question the legitimacy of the process. Calls for On-Site Relocation El Hyani argues that if authorities insist on expropriating residents, they should at least consider relocating them within the same area. «This is where they have lived, worked, and studied for over 50 years. Uprooting them and moving them 30 kilometers away could cause serious social consequences». He warns that «this case sets a dangerous precedent. These are legal property owners being forced out without following proper expropriation procedures. Our concern is that this won't stop here—the entire Rabat coastline could be targeted next». Faced with this situation, legal action remains an option. «We have advised residents facing intimidation to take legal steps if necessary. The development plan only allows expropriation for public utility projects, such as roads and parks—not for the construction of high-rises under vague and ambiguous circumstances», El Hyani insists.
