Numerous complaints following the liberation of public property in Fez: theft, looting, and bankruptcy of commercial shops

Several merchants in the city of Fez were shocked to find their shops subjected to theft and looting during a campaign by local authorities to liberate public property, all while the shop owners were absent. According to testimonies from affected individuals, some shop facades and contents were removed or relocated by the relevant authorities without prior notice or adequate protection for their belongings, resulting in significant damage and financial losses.

The losses did not stop there, as some shop owners announced their bankruptcy after losing sufficient space to conduct their business, having primarily relied on parts of the sidewalk or communal properties to display their goods. With the authorities’ intervention to liberate public property, they found themselves facing new challenges that adversely affected their daily income and led to the permanent closure of their businesses.

For its part, a source from local authorities confirmed that the operations to liberate public property are part of their commitment to organize urban areas and ensure smooth traffic flow, in addition to combating the random expansion of commercial activities. Nevertheless, a segment of traders is calling for urgent intervention to explore alternative solutions or fair compensations that would allow them to continue their economic activities and avoid exacerbating social conditions among those affected.

Currently, there is a state of tension and anticipation among traders, as many are relying on mediation and diligent efforts from civil society and elected bodies to find a resolution that ensures the preservation of public property while enabling traders to continue their businesses and secure their livelihoods.

About محمد الفاسي