فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Following the controversial closure of Abdelilah Ajjout’s shop, popularly known as “Moul Lout,” in Marrakech, the Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region, Farid Chourak, decided to dismiss the caïd of the Hay Hassani administrative district from his duties and reassign him to the regional headquarters without assigning him any new tasks.
The forceful closure of Abdelilah Ajjout’s fish shop, which gained fame on TikTok, continues to spark widespread controversy. The fish seller, who became a social media sensation, saw his shop abruptly sealed by local authorities, triggering a wave of public solidarity and anger on social media.
The caïd’s decision to close the fishmonger’s shop was deemed excessive and led to his dismissal and reassignment to the Marrakech-Safi regional headquarters.
Arbitrary and Illegal Closure
The closure of the small fish shop sparked widespread reactions among local residents and stakeholders, as well as a significant wave of solidarity on social media. According to well-informed sources, the dismissed caïd oversaw an inspection operation during which the Municipal Hygiene Office—the body legally responsible for administrative oversight in the Marrakech municipality—was excluded.
This inspection campaign resulted in the detention of “Moul Lhout” at the administrative district headquarters, an act described by several observers as an illegal overreach that escalated local tensions.
The Wali Opts for De-escalation
The Wali of the Marrakech-Safi region acted swiftly in this matter by dismissing the concerned caïd and appointing a new one to the Al Massira administrative district. In an effort to calm tensions, Farid Chourak met with Abdelilah Ajjout on Wednesday and authorized the reopening of the shop.
The King’s representative in the region also facilitated the fish seller’s return to the Marrakech wholesale market, where he had been banned from sourcing supplies for several weeks. He also assured him of direct access to authorities in case of further pressure.
A Scapegoat? Mohamed Ghalloussi’s Warning
However, these swift measures did not convince everyone. Commenting on the case, lawyer and human rights activist Mohamed Ghalloussi stated that if the administrative detention is proven, it would constitute a criminal offense punishable under the Penal Code.
The president of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Assets (AMPBP) called for a judicial investigation to determine the circumstances and responsibilities of this detention, if proven, and to hold all those involved accountable for an act that represents a serious violation of human rights, far beyond a mere administrative error.
Ghalloussi wrote in a Facebook post: “I fear that the caïd is being sacrificed as a scapegoat to quell public anger, without holding the real responsible parties accountable. I do not know him personally, nor do I even know his name, but he may be responsible within the limits of his duties. However, it would be unjust for other, potentially more involved, officials to escape punishment.”
Lingering Questions
Ghalloussi believes that while the meeting between the Wali of Marrakech-Safi and “Moul Lhout” is a positive step, it should not replace a thorough investigation into the events of Tuesday, February 25.
He called on the Ministry of the Interior to meet public expectations by opening a swift, comprehensive, and transparent investigation into the matter, addressing key questions: Why was a joint committee sent to close “Moul Lhout’s” shop immediately after the controversy, even though the shop had been operating publicly for a long time? Why was there no intervention before the controversy erupted? Do all fish shops in Marrakech comply with sales standards and undergo the same level of scrutiny as “Moul Lhout”?
Ghalloussi also questioned: “Is the caïd of the Hay Hassani district the only one responsible for the alleged violations? Or are there other officials who have been exempted from accountability? Who are the actors and networks involved in fish speculation in Marrakech, who reap huge profits by exploiting every opportunity? What measures have been taken against those who monopolize this sector by exploiting weak oversight and the law?”
The Marrakech-based lawyer emphasized the link between responsibility and accountability: “Linking responsibility to accountability is incompatible with the practice of sacrificing low-level employees to create the illusion that authorities are doing their job, while protecting the ‘big fish’ who benefit from the system.”
He added that the “Moul Lhout” case highlights the inefficiency of control and oversight mechanisms, as well as the responsibility of all concerned parties. Ghalloussi warned against the impunity enjoyed by certain influential intermediaries protected due to their proximity to power circles. He concluded: “It is time to hold the ‘big fish’ accountable. The people are tired of seeing low-level employees being sacrificed.”
