Morocco Suspends Imam for Political Posts on Facebook, Violating Religious Duties Law

The imam, who delivered the sermon on Friday in a mosque in Kénitra, was dismissed on the basis of Article 7 of Dahir 1-14-104 relating to the regulation of the duties of religious officials, reports the daily Al Massae. According to this provision, "it is forbidden for religious officials to engage in political or trade union activity or to take a position with a political or trade union character...".

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The decision was notified to Imam Benkirane by the provincial delegate of Islamic affairs in Kénitra. This preacher runs an institute of education and training, specifies the same source, recalling that he had called on the supervisory minister to authorize the resumption of religious talks in mosques, in strict compliance with health measures against Covid-19.