Moroccan Rights Groups Demand Harsher Penalties for Construction Violations After Fez Tragedy

The recent collapse of two buildings in Fez, which tragically claimed lives and injured others, has prompted a strong reaction from human rights organizations in Morocco. The public prosecutor's office has initiated legal proceedings, seeking to investigate 21 individuals for their alleged roles in the disaster. This move is seen by many as a crucial step, but also as insufficient on its own.

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The prosecution of those involved in the Fez building collapses is an important step, but it will not achieve the desired impact unless it is translated into a firm policy to confront construction violations.

As highlighted by Idris Sedraoui, president of the Moroccan League for Citizenship and Human Rights, the prosecution of those involved in the Fez building collapses is significant. However, he stresses that this action must be part of a broader, consistent policy to combat rampant construction violations. These violations, including unauthorized additions of floors and the turning of a blind eye by certain authorities, pose a direct threat to public safety and urban security. Sedraoui argues that current legislation needs strengthening with harsher penalties and clearer responsibilities to deter future offenses.

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The phenomenon of construction violations, including building without a license and adding residential floors outside legal controls, along with the complicity of some appointed and elected authorities, cannot be tolerated due to the direct threat it poses to the safety and urban security of citizens.

Further emphasizing the need for systemic reform, Abdelilah El Khodri, president of the Moroccan Center for Human Rights, points to the pervasive issues of rent-seeking and corruption within the real estate sector. He calls for comprehensive evaluations, parliamentary debate, and independent oversight mechanisms to address these deep-rooted problems. El Khodri suggests that true solutions lie in reforming local representation and democracy, purging it of corruption and illicit influence.

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True deterrence will only be achieved through clear political and legal will that makes respecting the law a general rule, and puts an end to all forms of impunity in the field of urban planning, while guaranteeing the right to decent housing as a fundamental entry point for social stability.

From a Moroccan perspective, this incident is not merely a legal case but a stark reminder of the systemic failures that endanger citizens. While international media might focus on the legal proceedings, local outlets like Hespress emphasize the urgent need for political will and structural changes. The call for accountability extends beyond individuals to encompass the entire system, demanding a commitment to transparent urban planning and the rule of law to ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.

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The issuance of a prosecution decision ensures that those prosecuted are presumed innocent until proven guilty.