Rape Case in Casablanca Implicates Prominent Business Family Member

According to Jeune Afrique, the victim, who filed a complaint in Paris and Casablanca for rape, suspects G. Rahal Essoulami of "having made her ingest GHB." During her hearing before the National Brigade of the Judicial Police (BNPJ), the French lawyer declared that the rapist’s drug "could have been hidden in food or in a drink." But the person concerned "denies it completely," reports the pan-African magazine in an article published on November 28, questioning the motives of this accusation against the granddaughter of the founder of the Rahal catering and events group.

In its analysis, the publication evokes a "sentimental rivalry" between the French woman and G. Rahal Essoulami who would be the ex-girlfriend of Mohamed Amine Naguib, the lawyer’s fiancé. The two women would have had an altercation during the private evening at Kamil Bennis’ home. Questioned about her relationship with her ex, the accused claims "to have known him for about six years," and that "their friendly and romantic relationship had been interrupted due to his excessive alcohol consumption and his tendency to fight when he had drunk."

G. Rahal Essoulami specified "having noticed that Naguib and his French fiancée were arguing because of her presence (at the party), due to her status as an ex." She also confirmed having approached the French woman to ask for explanations about her behavior, but participants in the party intervened. The young woman also stated "not having witnessed any quarrels between Mohammed Amine Naguib, Saad Slaoui and Kamil Bennis," also denying "any disagreement" with the French lawyer, as well as the accusation against her. She assured that she "left the party well before the end."

Witnesses told the investigators that the two women had a fight. The French woman, for her part, claims to remember nothing after this evening. The investigation is ongoing to shed light on this case. Meanwhile, Kamil Bennis, Mohamed El Alj and Saad Slaoui, the three "rich kids" accused of raping the victim, have been placed in pre-trial detention.