Manager of El Jadida prison dismissed
Morocco, Local, 11/16/2002

The manager of El Jadida prison, in which a blaze broke out two weeks ago killing 50 inmates, was dismissed from his position, pending findings of the investigation on the fire circumstances.

A statement of the justice minister which announced the dismissal of the prison manager also says a commission has been set up to shed light on the fire circumstances, deepen investigations and reach the truth in order to determine responsibilities.

The commission will hear all persons who are linked to the event, conduct on-site investigations and write a report, says the statement.

The commission comprises attorneys at the supreme court, the prosecutor at El Jadida's court of appeal, a member of the human rights advisory council, and an official at the penitentiary and reintegration administration.

The fire that broke out in the prison early in the morning on Nov.1st has killed 50 inmates and injured 40 others. Three people working in the prison were also injured.

The penitentiary facility, opened in 1994, has an accommodation capacity of 940 but was hosting 1,313 prisoners.

King Mohammed asked the justice minister to conduct an investigation on the fire causes.

Previous Stories:
  King Mohammed launches construction of neighbourhood for inhabitants of shanty towns   (11/9/2002)
  French mayor indicted for refusing to conclude marriage of Moroccan couple   (11/9/2002)
  King Mohammed visits hospitalized victims injured in fire   (8/24/2002)
  Two inmates died, twenty were injured in fire   (8/20/2002)
  King Mohammed amnesties 493 detainees   (8/20/2002)

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