فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal in Rabat sentenced former Bar Association president Mohamed Ziane to three years in prison in the early hours of Thursday, May 8, 2025. This ruling marks a reduction from the original five-year sentence handed down in the initial trial.
Ziane, 83, faced charges including embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds, among others. He was arrested on November 21, 2022, and the initial verdict was issued in February 2023.
During the final hearing, which extended late into Wednesday night, Ziane delivered a statement reiterating his opposition to the original ruling. He argued that his right to defense had been violated, citing what he described as procedural irregularities—such as being expelled from the courtroom for protesting the court’s failure to address Article 147 of the Constitution.
According to statements reported by Al Hayat Alyawmia, Ziane questioned the legitimacy of the original complaint, filed by lawyer Ishaq Charia in April 2021 but not officially registered with the Public Prosecutor’s Office until three months later. He claimed the complainant lacked legal standing at the time.
Ziane also expressed disbelief over the court’s disregard for a previous ruling in his favor, calling it a legal breach unworthy of a country founded on institutional principles.
He concluded his plea by highlighting his career in human rights and politics, including his former role as Minister of Human Rights, and recalled his efforts to open dialogue with international organizations like Amnesty International to improve Morocco’s global image.
Source: Fes News Media
