Technical Glitch and Court Strike Delay Trial of Moroccan Businessman and Politician
Casablanca, Morocco – A combination of unforeseen circumstances, including a court employee strike and a malfunctioning courtroom sound system, led to the postponement of a high-profile trial in Casablanca on Thursday. The case involves prominent figures Said Naciri, former president of the Wydad Athletic Club and head of the Casablanca City Council, and Abdel Nabi Buiwi, former president of the Oriental Region Council.
The two men are implicated in a case known as the “Escobar of the Sahara” and face serious charges including forgery, fraud, participation in a criminal organization, drug trafficking, and facilitating the illegal entry and exit of individuals from Morocco. The charges stem from an investigation launched in late March 2024.
The trial was set to begin at the Casablanca Court of Appeal, but the ongoing court employee strike presented an immediate obstacle. Adding to the delay, a technical malfunction with the courtroom’s sound system rendered it impossible for the defendants to follow the proceedings.
Defense attorneys for Naciri and Buiwi requested a postponement, citing their clients’ inability to adequately participate in their own defense due to the technical difficulties. The court granted the request, rescheduling the trial for September 27th.
This case has garnered significant public attention in Morocco, highlighting the ongoing fight against corruption and organized crime within the country. The outcome of the trial is expected to have significant implications, potentially impacting public trust in institutions and the pursuit of justice.
