Oujda prison rejects mistreatment claims and details cell-search incident

The administration of Oujda’s local prison has rejected allegations that a prisoner was insulted or mistreated during a cell search, saying staff intervened after he refused their instructions.

In a statement, the prison said the incident took place on the morning of Sept. 2, 2026, while employees were searching the cell where the prisoner lived. Officials said they asked him to leave the exercise yard and stand beside his bed so they could carry out the search. He allegedly refused and demanded special treatment, citing his position as a senior official at the Ministry of National Education and a heart condition.

The administration said staff referred him to the head of security and discipline and drew up an official report. It denied that the measures involved any insult or mistreatment, describing them as procedures linked to cell searches and compliance with staff instructions.

Officials also said the prisoner receives medical care, including examinations by the prison doctor, hospital transfers when necessary and prescribed medication. The prisoner is being held provisionally in a case involving fraud and breach of trust. He has also received final three-year prison sentences in two other fraud cases.