Moroccan Ex-Official Sentenced to 7 Years in $1.7 Billion Corruption Case

5 November 2019 – byBladi.net · 1 min read

Highlighted by justice in the so-called "17 billion" case, Zine El Abidine Houass knows what to expect since this Monday. Indeed, the former President of the Commune of Had Soualem is sentenced to 7 years in prison, for several charges that have been brought against him.

The incredible "17 billion" case has fueled endless controversies that the verdict handed down by justice will try to silence. In this case, several charges were brought against the former Istiqlal deputy, namely corruption, blackmail, embezzlement of public funds, forgery, forgery and use of forgery, and abuse of power.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office had requested a 20-year prison sentence against the defendant. In the end, Zine El Abidine Houass gets away with a 7-year prison sentence.

The other equally harsh decision came from the Deputy Prosecutor General at the Casablanca Court of Appeal. He had also asked the court to seize the property of Zine El Abidine Houass, who had also chaired the destiny of the Council of Had Soualem.

It was in the summer of 2017 that the former Istiqlal deputy was arrested following complaints reporting 17 billion centimes (170 million dirhams) found at his home.

Category: Morocco

Keywords:

Corruption Trial Prison Zine El Abidine Howass Arrest