Smear Campaign Against Rabat Prefectural Council President Uncovered
A coordinated smear campaign targeting the President of the Rabat Prefectural Council has been brought to light, highlighting the challenges public figures face in the digital age. The president, who also serves as the head of the Association of Presidents of Prefectural and Provincial Councils and holds positions in various national and international organizations, became the target of anonymous complaints and a subsequent WhatsApp-based disinformation campaign.
The initial wave of anonymous complaints, filed with numerous institutions including the Ministry of Interior, the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Interior, the Wilaya of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, the General Inspectorate of the Ministry of Finance, the High Council of Accounts, the Regional Council of Accounts, the Presidency of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the King’s General Agent at the Rabat Court of Appeal, and the Regional Brigade of the Judicial Police, alleged mismanagement and ethical breaches within the council. These complaints, riddled with misinformation and false accusations, aimed to damage the reputation of the president and the council administration.
The campaign escalated with the spread of defamatory messages through two anonymous WhatsApp numbers. These messages contained libelous statements, slander, and character assassination, attacking the integrity of the president and the administrative services, even going so far as to question their honor and dignity. This type of digital character assassination is a growing concern, as highlighted by research from the Pew Research Center, which found that [insert statistic about online harassment or misinformation]. The ease and speed with which misinformation can spread online makes it a powerful tool for malicious actors.
The widespread dissemination of these fabricated accusations, targeting members and employees of various elected councils and other stakeholders in the city, prompted a thorough investigation by the implicated authorities. The Regional Brigade of the Judicial Police visited the council to gather information regarding the allegations. The Regional Council of Accounts conducted audits and scrutinized the claims, with the council administration providing full cooperation and transparency. Other relevant bodies also carried out their own investigations. These investigations revealed the complaints
