Informed sources have reported that the governor of Berrechid province has issued a decision to suspend Hakim Afout, the president of Had Soualem commune, from his duties. This decision comes in the wake of a court ruling convicting Afout of embezzling public funds and forging official documents.
According to available information, Afout was suspended after being recorded absent from his duties as president of the commune, following a sentence of two years in prison and a fine of 1000 dirhams. This verdict was issued due to his involvement in a case of embezzlement of public funds and falsification of certificates and official documents.
In a related context, the provincial governor announced the opening of nominations for the position of president of the communal council of Had Soualem, setting the period for receiving applications from Saturday to next Wednesday.
It’s worth noting that the suspension decision came after the governor received a letter from several councilors of Had Soualem commune demanding the application of Article 20 of Organic Law No. 113.14 relating to territorial communities, and Article 142 of Organic Law No. 59.11. The councilors called for the removal of Hakim Afout from his seat on the communal council, and consequently from his presidency, based on the condition of a final conviction.
In a subsequent development, the Court of Cassation in Rabat rejected the appeal filed by Hakim Afout. The same court also decided to reject the appeals submitted by other defendants in the same case.
These developments come as part of efforts to combat corruption and enhance transparency in the management of local affairs in the Kingdom of Morocco.