Moroccan minister dismissed two days after joining government amid controversy over old cheque case

Just two days after joining the government, Madiha Khayr lost her portfolio as minister delegate for Vocational Training and Qualification. King Mohammed VI approved the request for her removal submitted by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, in accordance with Article 47 of the Constitution.

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A member of the Istiqlal executive committee, Madiha Khayr joined the new government formed by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri on Friday, 16 October. The royal statement announcing her departure gave no explanation for the decision.

A 19-cheque case from years ago resurfaces

The dismissal comes after a document presented as a medical certificate dating from 2004 was circulated on social media. Several media outlets also unearthed an old judicial case involving a woman named Madiha, who was suspected at the time of impersonating a doctor to issue 19 cheques without sufficient funds.

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The case, reported in August 2004, involved a 29-year-old employee of an agricultural cooperative in Béni Mellal. She allegedly used a photocopy of a doctor’s identity card to open a bank account and obtain a cheque book. The 19 cheques were then allegedly used to buy jewellery in several Moroccan cities.

Madiha Khayr had just won the legislative elections in Béni Mellal with 21,384 votes. She was subsequently appointed president of the Istiqlal parliamentary group, a few days before her appointment to the government.