Former governor and 17 other people to be tried for embezzlement

A former governor and a former president of the Casablanca urban Community (Mayor) have been brought to justice on various charges, judicial sources announced Tuesday.

Abdelaziz Laffoura and Abdelmoughit Slimani and 16 other people among whom an architect and an entrepreneur, appeared before the Rabat-based Special Court of Justice on charges of embezzlement, power abuse and forgery.

Ten of them are held in custody, including Laffoura and Slimani.

They are prosecuted following a complaint by the Swiss entrepreneur Jean Victor against Abdelmoughit Slimani for financial irregularities in carrying out two housing projects in Casablanca and breach of procedures regulating public contracts.

It is the first time a former governor is brought to justice for embezzlement.