Moroccan Authorities Demolish Expat’s Apartment, Sparking Outrage Among Residents

A security cordon and metal barriers were installed around a residential complex, before machinery proceeded to demolish the MRE’s apartment, under the supervision of police officers and auxiliary force members. Residents denounce the "illegal" nature of this act, assuring that they acquired these properties legally and that they hold all ownership documents. The complex residents claim that they purchased these apartments about seven years ago from a real estate agency, as part of a project authorized in 2007.

Those concerned denounce this form of eviction and invite the competent authorities to intervene urgently to preserve their dignity as well as their rights and property. They inform that the demolition decision invoked by the authorities dates from 2018, and that it targeted the real estate company and not the residents who are owners. They call for an investigation into this matter which "infringes on their right to housing" and for the suspension of demolitions.

A collective of six human rights organizations has published a statement to express solidarity with the residents of the complex, denouncing what it called "intimidation practices". The collective called for the application of the Constitution and current laws, respecting the dignity and rights of residents. They expressed their outrage at these demolitions targeting inhabited apartments, in violation of the fundamental rights of residents.

"How can decisions be made against citizens residing in apartments built and protected by legal property titles? How can such blatant contradictions be tolerated? How was this decision made? Who is behind it? Are there specific instructions that one hesitates to reveal?" asked the collective, which demanded the opening of an independent investigation into these violations, the immediate halt of demolitions, and transparency in this matter. The organizations also requested the restoration of water and electricity to the residents.