Morocco Sentences 29 in Major Drug Trafficking and Corruption Case

A Moroccan court has handed down prison sentences to 29 prominent individuals, including politicians and figures from the sports and business sectors, in connection with an international drug trafficking and corruption scandal. The court also imposed hundreds of millions of dollars in fines late Thursday, concluding a trial that spanned over two years.

The case originated from accusations made by an imprisoned drug kingpin, referred to as "Sahara's Pablo Escobar," who alleged that some of his business associates, including senior Moroccan politicians, were involved in drug trafficking and had seized his assets while he was incarcerated. The accused have reportedly denied these allegations. The revelations led to numerous arrests and a lengthy trial involving 30 defendants and 18 witnesses.

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I am innocent. I haven’t done anything

The scandal has reignited discussions about corruption within Moroccan political circles. It prompted King Mohammed VI, the country's highest authority, to call for the adoption of a legally binding code of ethics to "moralize" parliamentary life. Among those sentenced, Abdennebi Bioui, a construction tycoon and former lawmaker, received 12 years in prison and a significant fine. Said Naciri, a former lawmaker and president of a prominent soccer club, was sentenced to 10 years. Other defendants received sentences of up to nine years, with one individual acquitted. Charges included drug and gold trafficking, corruption, forgery, and violations of exchange control regulations. The court also ordered the seizure of assets belonging to several defendants, with total financial penalties reaching hundreds of millions of dollars. Attorneys have the option to appeal the ruling.

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to “moralize” life in parliament