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Morocco plans special penal code for 2030 World Cup stadiums
Morocco plans special penal code for 2030 World Cup stadiums

Ya Biladi

time3 days ago

  • Politics
  • Ya Biladi

Morocco plans special penal code for 2030 World Cup stadiums

The Moroccan government is crafting a «special penal code for the 2030 World Cup», revealed Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi during an interview with Med Radio. This new legislation will mainly address regulations concerning stadiums and their immediate environments. «We are considering establishing courts directly within the stadiums», Ouahbi clarified. In cases of misconduct by spectators that do not amount to a crime but still necessitate intervention, «we could order their immediate expulsion from the national territory. Detaining them is not an option, as we lack information about their health status and cannot anticipate their reaction to incarceration. Any incident in prison could potentially damage the World Cup's reputation», he explained. «This is why we are diligently working on this matter, in alignment with FIFA's standards», the minister stressed. For the record, FIFA inaugurated an office in Rabat last week as part of the preparations for the 2030 World Cup.

Moroccan party files complaints against Justice Minister over financial misconduct allegations
Moroccan party files complaints against Justice Minister over financial misconduct allegations

Ya Biladi

time24-07-2025

  • Business
  • Ya Biladi

Moroccan party files complaints against Justice Minister over financial misconduct allegations

The Moroccan Liberal Party has filed two formal complaints against Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi. The first was submitted to the Minister of Economy and Finance, and the second to the First President of the Court of Auditors. The party accuses the minister of «suspicious financial and real estate dealings», including signing a gift deed in favor of his wife while declaring a value lower than the property's actual worth. In its complaint to the Court of Auditors, the party referenced media reports alleging that Minister Ouahbi engaged in financial transactions exceeding 12 million dirhams, notably the repayment of a real estate loan with interest, all during his time in government. This, according to the party, raises serious questions about the origin of the funds and their consistency with the official asset declarations he submitted to the relevant oversight bodies. Allegations of Undeclared Wealth The party has called for a «thorough and urgent investigation into these matters, which erode citizens' trust in institutions and threaten their stability», urging that the findings be made public and that legal consequences be enforced if any wrongdoing is uncovered. In the second complaint addressed to the Minister of Economy and Finance, the party referenced additional reports regarding the minister's real estate activities, focusing on the gift deed to his wife. The contract, it says, declared a property value significantly lower than its real market price. The party also pointed to a televised statement made by Ouahbi, in which he claimed the right to declare what he considered an appropriate value, arguing that the transaction was a gift between spouses rather than a sale or profit-making deal. The party described this as «a clear admission of tax evasion and a blatant violation of the General Tax Code», which requires all citizens to declare the actual value of real estate, whether the transfer involves compensation or not, and to pay the corresponding taxes under penalty of audit and sanction. It further warned that exempting a minister from these legal obligations undermines the constitutional principle of equality before the law. Once again, the party called for an urgent investigation into what it sees as a breach of public trust and a threat to institutional credibility. It demanded full transparency regarding the outcome of the probe and the application of all relevant legal measures in the event of tax violations. A Call for Action Against the Minister In an earlier statement, the party denounced what it described as the «irresponsible behavior of several ministers in Aziz Akhannouch's government, including the Prime Minister himself», citing growing suspicions of illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and abuse of power, all exacerbated by a lack of legal, constitutional, or ethical oversight. It also expressed concern over what it called the «alarming and unwarranted empowerment of certain ministers, led by the Minister of Justice, who appear to be acting above state institutions». This, it said, raises troubling questions about the forces enabling such conduct and allowing these officials to disregard citizens' rights and the rule of law. The statement concluded with a call to end these «irresponsible practices» by holding the Minister of Justice accountable, subjecting him to a full tax audit, and applying Article 143 of the law on real estate preemption in favor of the state. The party also demanded his dismissal, arguing that his continued presence in office undermines public trust in government and weakens the foundations of the rule of law.

Justice Minister Ouahbi Proposes Judicial Document Delivery via Glovo
Justice Minister Ouahbi Proposes Judicial Document Delivery via Glovo

Morocco World

time23-07-2025

  • Business
  • Morocco World

Justice Minister Ouahbi Proposes Judicial Document Delivery via Glovo

Marrakech – Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has proposed an unconventional solution to reduce crowding in Moroccan courts: using delivery platforms like Glovo to transport official judicial documents directly to citizens' homes. During an oral question session at the Chamber of Councilors on Tuesday, Ouahbi suggested that delivery services could bring court-issued documents such as criminal records, commercial registries, and nationality certificates straight to applicants' doorsteps. 'People will laugh at first, but they will end up benefiting from it,' Ouahbi stated confidently, acknowledging that even directors within his own ministry have mocked the idea. The minister, who is at the center of recent allegations of tax fraud following documents leaked by the Algerian hacker group Jabaroot, cited the overwhelming volume of document requests as justification for his proposal. 'Recently, we received more than 10,000 requests for criminal records in Casablanca alone,' he explained. Ouahbi drew inspiration from European models, particularly Portugal, where passports are delivered directly to citizens. He envisions motorcycle couriers ensuring secure distribution of documents to applicants' homes. Beyond administrative simplification, the minister sees this initiative as an employment opportunity for young people in urban logistics. 'This service, if well organized, could create numerous jobs while reducing queues in courts,' he said. While Ouahbi did not specify a timeline or concrete details for the project, he confirmed that partnering with a private company like Glovo remains a possibility, suggesting that discussions could be initiated soon. Glovo under fire This proposal comes amid ongoing issues surrounding Glovo in Morocco. On Monday, Glovo delivery workers protested in Casablanca against what they called a 'truncated' map of Morocco on the company's application that allegedly omitted the Sahara region. The protesters also expressed general dissatisfaction with their working conditions, including concerns about bearing all operational costs themselves while earning insufficient income. The demonstrations in Casablanca are part of several spontaneous gatherings that have occurred in different Moroccan cities since early July. Glovo Morocco responded the following day, explaining that the map issue was a 'technical anomaly' that occurred 'following a recent external update.' The company assured that the error had been addressed upon detection and that 'the map displays correctly on the application.' The company stated it operates 'across the entire national territory, from Tangier to Laayoune, with full respect for the Kingdom's territorial integrity.' Regarding the workers' concerns about lack of dialogue, Glovo Morocco contradicted this perception, stating it has 'always maintained an open dialogue policy with the courier community, provided it takes place in a respectful, constructive and transparent framework.' The company detailed that 'in recent weeks, exchange sessions were held with a hundred couriers in Casablanca in a constructive spirit.' During these meetings, Glovo claims to have 'presented and communicated concrete proposals aimed at improving the couriers' experience.' Founded in Barcelona in 2014, Glovo has rapidly expanded to become a major player in on-demand delivery. Now owned nearly 94% by German firm Delivery Hero, the company has established itself in several countries through massive fundraising, notably from Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund. Its economic model, based on the precarious status of delivery workers, faces mounting criticism. In June, European authorities fined Glovo €106 million for anti-competitive practices, including no-poaching agreements. Read also: Glovo Faces Antitrust Allegations in Morocco's Food Delivery Market Tags: Abdellatif Ouahbidelivery serviceGlovo in MoroccoMinister of Justice

Morocco House of Councillors approves bill amending criminal procedure code
Morocco House of Councillors approves bill amending criminal procedure code

Ya Biladi

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Ya Biladi

Morocco House of Councillors approves bill amending criminal procedure code

The House of Councillors passed Bill 03.23 by a majority vote on Tuesday in Rabat during a legislative session. The bill amends and supplements Law 22.01 related to criminal procedure. The measure was approved by 24 councillors, with 4 voting against and 2 abstaining. Presenting the bill, Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized its significance within Morocco's legal framework, describing it as a key pillar of the country's criminal justice system. He explained that the bill seeks to strike a balance between ensuring the prosecution of criminal offenses and guaranteeing the right to a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence. Ouahbi added that the legislation was the result of a participatory process, developed through broad discussions and consultations with various stakeholders, including constitutional bodies such as the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE). He concluded by stating that the reform marks an important step toward modernizing the national legal system and responding to public expectations and demands for justice.

Morocco Pushes Forward Reform of Criminal Procedure Code
Morocco Pushes Forward Reform of Criminal Procedure Code

Morocco World

time09-07-2025

  • Politics
  • Morocco World

Morocco Pushes Forward Reform of Criminal Procedure Code

Rabat – Morocco's House of Councillors passed a draft law seeking to amend the country's Criminal Procedure Code. The House of Councillors adopted Draft Law No. 03.23 with 24 votes in favor, and four against. Two councillors abstained from the vote. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi presented the reform, seeing it as a historic step in Morocco's legal, institutional, and human rights landscape. Ouahbi said the Code of Criminal Procedure holds 'great importance, within the legal system as the main driver of criminal and punitive laws, and as one of the framework laws that touches on two distinct domains, requiring a clear and precise legislative text and professional practice.' He also said the law seeks to ensure that crimes are properly investigated, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure prosecution. Meanwhile, the law also seeks to safeguard the search for innocence and guarantee the conditions of a fair trial. Ouahbi added that the draft law is in line with Morocco's developments that cover strengthening rights of freedoms, full adherence to international human rights commitments, and the fight against crime. The draft law was adopted based on consultations and discussions that involved institutions and bodies like the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE). Ouhabi concluded his presentation, pledging that the legislative initiative 'undoubtedly represents a key step toward modernizing the national legal framework and meeting public expectations.' Since 2024, Ouahbi has been calling for modernizing Morocco's criminal procedure law among other legislative reforms. In March this year, Ouahbi urged Moroccan institutions to ensure the country's new alternative sentencing law achieves its full impact. He stressed the importance of Law No. 43.22, which introduces non-custodial penalties into Morocco's justice system, describing the legislation as a turning point in the country's approach to criminal justice. In May, the Moroccan government approved a draft decree of the law, setting the framework for implementing alternative sentencing measures. Tags: Article 218-2 of the criminal codecriminal code

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