Moroccan Plastic Surgeon Hassan Tazi’s Appeal Trial Postponed Amidst Human Trafficking Allegations
Casablanca, Morocco – The appeal trial of controversial plastic surgeon Dr. Hassan Tazi took another turn today as the court in Casablanca announced a postponement until October 18th, 2023. This marks the second delay in the proceedings, further prolonging a case that has gripped the nation.
Tazi, a prominent figure in the Moroccan medical community, was initially sentenced to a three-year prison term, with two years to be served and one year suspended. This followed his conviction on charges of encouraging false testimony, a lesser charge compared to the initial accusation of human trafficking, which was dropped. He was released from Ain Sebaa prison in Casablanca this past May pending the outcome of his appeal.
The charges against Tazi stem from a complex case that came to light in April 2022. The public prosecutor accused Tazi, his family, and several employees of his “Al-Shifaa” clinic of a range of serious offenses. These included human trafficking, fraud, forgery, and illicitly collecting charitable donations intended for medical treatments.
While Tazi has consistently declined to comment on the case to the media, his legal team successfully requested the postponement, citing the need for more time to prepare their defense.
This delay comes on the heels of the initial trial’s conclusion in May 2023, which saw Tazi’s wife, Mounia Benchqroun, sentenced to four years in prison. His brother, Abdel Razzaq Tazi, received a five-year sentence. Another individual connected to the case, Zainab. B, who presented herself as a philanthropist, was also sentenced to five years. Several other individuals received sentences ranging from three to four years.
The postponement of Tazi’s appeal trial only intensifies the public’s interest in this case. Many are closely watching how the legal proceedings unfold, eager to see if the prosecution can substantiate the serious allegations levied against Tazi and his associates.
