Moroccan Journalist Fined and Given Suspended Sentence in Customs Case

Accused of "seizure of foreign goods in the land and maritime areas of the Customs Administration", the journalist was convicted by the Court of First Instance of Al Hoceima. The police had proceeded, on June 26, 2017, to his arrest, in Imzouren.

In a post published on his Facebook page, the latter gives his version of the facts. "While my trial lasted about two and a half years and, while waiting for the court to do me justice after my arrest and the confiscation of my car, they sentenced me to a suspended prison sentence, in addition to 11.5 million cents and confiscated my car for the benefit of the Customs Administration," he wrote.

Hakim Ben Aïssa is surprised by the treatment his case has received. He said that the car dealers involved in this case appeared in court during the appeal phase.

According to him, they confirmed that it was from them that he had bought this same car. "They were not the only ones to stand by my side, the report on the technical expertise of my car by a sworn expert appointed by the court attested that the car is in order and that it has not undergone any fraud," indicates his post.

At this stage, he said he heaved a sigh of relief hoping for acquittal. Only, "the judicial power had a different opinion, and they slapped me again by confirming the judgment on appeal," lamented the journalist.