The Casablanca Court of Appeal has postponed the hearing of Saïd Naciri, President of the Casablanca Prefectural Council and head of the WAC club, along with Abdenbi Bioui, President of the Oriental Region, and 23 other defendants in the « Pablo Escobar of the Sahara » case to September 12.
The accused, including influential figures, face multiple charges, such as corruption, orchestrating drug trafficking operations, concealment, and violating foreign exchange regulations.
The President of the Criminal Chamber of the First Instance Court of Appeal of Casablanca, Ali Torchi, decided on this postponement to allow the new lawyers, including the President of the Casablanca Bar Association, to better prepare their defense.
A Case That Continues to Shake Morocco
This decision follows the absence of two defendants out on bail, one of whom, B.A, is now the subject of an arrest warrant. Legal experts suggest that the initial hearings often result in postponements, as seen in this case. The affair shakes Morocco’s sports and political spheres. The next steps will be crucial for the transparency and integrity of the country’s institutions.
A Political and Sports Scandal
The case extends beyond the judicial framework, involving influential figures from the sports and political worlds. The alleged link between Bioui and drug trafficking raises questions about the integrity of elected officials and regional leaders. Political parties are divided, with some calling for a thorough investigation, while others seek to minimize the affair’s impact.
In sports, WAC, one of Morocco’s most prestigious clubs, finds itself in the eye of the storm. The club’s reputation and the trust of its supporters are severely tested. Former president Naciri, a charismatic and controversial figure, has been replaced by Aït Mena, former president of SCCM and president of the Mohammedia Commune.
Moroccan media play a crucial role in this affair, scrutinizing each development and fueling public debate. The public demands transparency and justice, and successive revelations reinforce the sense of mistrust among citizens.
Looking Towards the Next Hearing
The next hearing on September 12 will be crucial for the future of this case. The stakes are high: restoring confidence in institutions, protecting the integrity of sports clubs, and ensuring justice is served without political interference.
