Moroccan Lawmaker Sentenced to 6 Years for Corruption in Land Scandal

Deputy Rachid El Fayek, who is also the former president of the commune of Oulad Taleb, is accused of corruption, misappropriation of funds and embezzlement of public funds and falsification of official documents. The case follows investigations carried out by the judicial police brigade on urban planning projects, including the housing program.

The elected official was arrested with 15 other people, including his brother, also a member of the RNI, an auxiliary of authority, a company manager, another elected official and a municipal official. Some were placed in detention, others prosecuted while at liberty. The court had refused a request for provisional release filed by El Fayek’s defense.

On Wednesday, the verdict was handed down. The criminal chamber of the Fez Court of Appeal sentenced parliamentarian Rachid El Fayek to 6 years in prison, accompanied by a fine of one million dirhams for "corruption, embezzlement of public funds and abuse of authority". His brother Jawad El Fayek, former president of the Fez prefectural council and his first deputy, were sentenced to 3 years and 9 months in prison respectively, while his secretary (H.D) was sentenced to 1 year and a half in prison.