Morocco Seeks Extradition of Suspect in 2017 Marrakech Café Shooting

Currently on trial in the Marengo case in the Netherlands, Achraf B. could be extradited to Morocco, according to Dutch sources. His lawyer believes that this is not an option, as Morocco is, according to him, accused of systematically torturing detainees.

In the Marengo case, in which Ridouan Taghi is the main accused, Achraf B is being prosecuted for participation in a criminal organization and participation in homicides and attempted homicides.

In Morocco, Achraf B. is suspected of having directed the attack on the La Créme café from the Netherlands. During the attack, the son of a judge had been killed by mistake. The real target, the Moroccan-Dutch criminal Mustapha F., owner of the café, had been arrested shortly afterwards and sentenced to a prison term. The shooters, two Dutch nationals, Shardyone S. and Edwin R., had also been arrested shortly after the attack. They have both been sentenced to death.

Guy Weski, Achraf B’s lawyer, believes that his client’s extradition should not be authorized, as Morocco is suspected of human rights violations. In reports from several international human rights organizations and the Council of Europe, Morocco is accused of torturing detainees.