Agadir 24 | Agadir24
Today, Friday, the Criminal Chamber of First Instance in charge of money crimes at the Komnaf Court of Appeal decided to postpone the trial session of the President of the Eastern Region Council, Abdelnabi Bayoui, and the former President of the Wydad Sports Club, Saeed Al-Nasiri, in addition to 26 other people accused in what is known as the “Escobar of the Desert” case. Until the 22nd of this month, due to the ongoing lawyers’ strike.
The session was held in Hall 8 of the Court of Appeal in Komnaf, and witnessed a call to the defendants detained in Okasha prison via Zoom technology. With the absence of lawyers due to their boycott of the sessions in all Moroccan courts of appeal, the head of the Criminal Chamber decided to postpone the trial.
Heavy accusations haunt Al-Nasiri and Baaiwi
The former president of Wydad Sports Club, Saeed Al-Nasiri, is being pursued on charges related to multiple crimes, including: “attempting to export drugs without a permit or license, participating in this attempt, and participating in an agreement to possess, trade, transport, and export drugs, in addition to charges related to fraud and exploitation of influence from a person.” He holds a parliamentary position, and forges and uses checks.” He also faces other charges, including “forcing others to make false statements under pressure and threat, concealing items obtained from misdemeanors, participating in the unauthorized import of foreign currencies equivalent to or exceeding 100 thousand dirhams, and participating in direct payment in currency for goods or services within the national territory.”
As for Abdel Nabi Bayoui, head of the East Region, he is being charged with several charges related to financial and administrative violations and crimes, including “forgery of an official document by fabricating and using agreements, bribery, obtaining documents proving conduct and discharge under duress, participating in forging a public record and forging an official document, and participating in In a controlling act that affects personal and individual freedom to achieve personal whims.” Baayoui is also accused of facilitating the regular exit and entry of Moroccans into Morocco within the framework of a gang and an agreement, in addition to “participating in an agreement related to the possession, trafficking, transport and export of drugs.”
A complex case requires the presence of lawyers to follow the procedures
It is clear from the volume of accusations against the defendants and their various roles in the file that the case requires careful follow-up by the lawyers during the hearings, but the continued lawyers’ strike has made it difficult to continue the trial at the present time. Thus, the “Escobar of the Desert” case remains one of the most complex and controversial cases, awaiting the resumption of hearings on the 22nd of this month.
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**Interview with Legal Expert Dr. Hana Al-Mansouri on the High-Profile Trial Delays in Morocco**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Al-Mansouri. We’re here to discuss the recent postponement of the trial involving prominent figures such as Abdelnabi Bayoui and Saeed Al-Nasiri in the “Escobar of the Desert” case. Can you provide us with some context on this situation?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Thank you for having me. The case has garnered significant attention because it involves serious allegations against high-profile individuals, including members of local government and sports. The postponement of the trial session was primarily due to the ongoing lawyers’ strike across Moroccan courts, which significantly hampers the judicial process.
**Interviewer:** The involvement of technology, such as Zoom, during the trial process is noteworthy. How might this affect the proceedings when many lawyers are boycotting?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Utilizing Zoom to connect with defendants demonstrates an effort to maintain some level of judicial protocol despite the strike. However, without legal representation, the integrity of the proceedings is compromised. Defendants have the right to legal counsel, and the absence of lawyers may influence their ability to present a defense, thus raising concerns about fair trial rights.
**Interviewer:** There are heavy charges against Saeed Al-Nasiri, including drug trafficking and financial crimes. What implications do such serious allegations have for individuals in public office?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Such allegations can be devastating, particularly for public figures. Not only do these charges carry the potential for significant legal penalties, but they also damage reputations and public trust. If proven guilty, Al-Nasiri could face substantial repercussions, including incarceration. Moreover, these cases raise questions about accountability and ethics in governance and sports administration.
**Interviewer:** The trial has now been postponed to the 22nd of this month. What can we expect as it approaches?
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** As the new trial date approaches, we may see developments regarding the lawyers’ strike, which could potentially be resolved, allowing legal representation for the defendants. Additionally, public interest will likely remain high, and we may see more media coverage focusing on the implications for Moroccan politics and sports. The outcome will be closely watched.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Mansouri, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. We will keep an eye on the developments in this case.
**Dr. Al-Mansouri:** Thank you for having me.
