King Mohammed VI Orders Probe into Controversial Evictions of Long-term Residents in Mohammedia

In total, 11 villas, part of the royal domain of which the king’s Mohammed VI mother was the owner, had been transferred in 2006 by the Land Administration of the Royal Family at a flat rate of 400 dirhams per square meter. 3 years later, the buyer, a real estate developer, had resold the properties with a capital gain of 500 dirhams.

According to the president of the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights and the Protection of Public Property, Hammou Ajmila, the parties had failed to renew the lease contracts during the real estate transaction, in accordance with the regulations in force.

Since then, continues the president of the organization, the new buyer refuses to renew the lease, and even refrains from collecting the rents stipulated in the old lease. To avoid being sued for unpaid rent, the amounts are deposited by the families with the Casablanca Court Registry.

The tenants, the majority of whom reside in Europe, have been forced to return to the country, after officially receiving notification of the eviction decision rendered in their absence. In order to be reinstated in their rights, the victims are asking to be informed of the results of the investigation ordered by King Mohammed VI.