Developments in Lakhsem Case: Travel Ban Lifted, Bail Canceled for Imouzzer Kandar President

Fes, Morocco – In a new development attracting significant national interest, the Correctional Chamber of the Fes Court of Appeal has decided to lift the travel ban imposed on Mustapha Lakhsem, the President of the Imouzzer Kandar commune, and has also canceled the 20,000 dirham bail previously set.

These decisions follow an appeal against the investigative judge’s order, which had initially imposed these measures as part of an inquiry into accusations of misappropriation of public funds and falsification of official documents. These charges stem from a complaint filed by four municipal councilors.

On his Facebook page, the former kickboxing world champion, Mustapha Lakhsem, posted a message thanking the judge for these two decisions.

Interrogation Postponed and Details of Allegations

It is worth noting that the investigative judge at the First Chamber of the Fes Court of Appeal had decided last Monday (May 19, 2025) to postpone Mustapha Lakhsem’s detailed interrogation until next Monday, at the request of the plaintiffs’ lawyer.

Lakhsem, who transitioned from a world kickboxing champion to a political official and a member of the Popular Movement party, faces serious accusations concerning the alleged misappropriation of public funds and falsification of official documents. These allegations are linked to presumed irregularities in the management of temporary contract agents within the commune.

In an earlier session on May 12, the investigative judge had ordered a border closure against the mayor of Imouzzer Kandar. At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, he also decided to prosecute Lakhsem on provisional release, with a bail of 20,000 dirhams, pending further detailed investigation.

Councilors Accuse, Mayor Defends

The case originated from a complaint filed by the four municipal councilors with the King’s Attorney General at the Court of Appeal, denouncing what they described as serious irregularities in the commune’s administration. The complaint specifically included accusations regarding the recruitment of temporary workers and budget management.

The plaintiffs accuse Lakhsem of irregular, and even fictitious, recruitments, and of paying salaries to individuals who allegedly perform no actual functions within the municipality. This, they claim, constitutes a misappropriation of public funds.

In response, Mustapha Lakhsem defended himself in a video published on his Instagram account following the travel ban decision. He expressed his incomprehension and indignation at the judicial order, stating: “I don’t understand why the judge made this decision… I am not a thief; I just wanted to serve my country sincerely.”

Lakhsem explained that this measure caused him professional harm, noting that he regularly travels between Morocco and Europe for business-related reasons. He also confirmed that his legal team would file an appeal against the investigative judge’s decision, awaiting a review of the case.

Lakhsem, who has cultivated an image as an “anti-corruption mayor” fighting against what he calls “dubious practices,” had previously lost his majority in the council (the opposition holds 17 out of 28 seats). Since then, his issues with elected officials have persisted.

About محمد الفاسي