Court condemns persons involved in Laayoune incidents up to five years in jail

The court of first instance of Laayoune condemned Thursday persons involved in vandalism acts in the city of Laaoyune to sentences up to five years in jail.

The incidents occurred in the southern Moroccan city last May when a group of people wanted to dissuade authorities from transferring an inmate, sentenced for drug smuggling and organization of illegal immigration, from the prison of Laayoune.

Abderrahmane Boukarfa, charged of participation in an armed riot, was sentenced to five years.

Five other persons were condemned to sentences ranging from 3 years to one suspended year for different charges, including violence against civil servants, use of firearms and sabotage of private properties.

The court of first instance is still examining other cases related to the events of Laayoune.