Morocco: Calls for the release of lawyer Mohamed Ziane

A number of political figures and associations have launched an appeal for the release of lawyer Mohamed Ziane «before it’s too late». Journalists Omar Radi, Taoufik Bouachrine, and Souleimane Raissouni, who were recently released from prison following a royal pardon on Throne Day, are among the signatories of the petition in favor of the 81-year-old former President of the Bar.

This initiative was launched following a solidarity visit to Ziane’s home on August 10 by a group of politicians, associations, and media representatives.

On July 19, the Rabat Court of Appeal sentenced Mohamed Ziane to five years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 dirhams. It’s worth noting that in May 2023, Morocco’s Supreme Court upheld Ziane’s sentence of three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 5,000 dirhams, as delivered in the first-instance and appeal verdicts against the former barrister in February and November 2022, respectively. Ziane is currently being held in El Arjat prison.

Morocco: Calls for the release of lawyer Mohamed Ziane