MP Stripped of Immunity for Bouncing Cheque

An Mp at the Moroccan House of Representatives (lower chamber of parliament) was stripped of parliamentary immunity for delivering bouncing cheques.

Mohamed Sghir, an MP of the Democratic and Social Movement (MDS), saw his immunity lifted for involvement in a conflict with his creditors. He is reportedly unable to pay back a $ 2.8-million loan.

The decision, the first of its kind in Morocco, was passed by 91 votes for, 32 against and 3 abstentions. The related-file, including a letter from Prime Minister, Abderrahmane Youssoufi, was submitted to the House of Representatives by the Legislation and Human Rights Committee.

Majority groups at the House argued that parliamentary immunity is rather political and is destined to protect the deputy against political pressure. Beyond this precise case, the deputy is considered an ordinary citizen, they said.

Other deputies called the government to open similar files and to treat all citizens on an equal footing.

According to press reports, requests for lifting parliamentary immunity are already lodged against several mps involved in illegal activities.

Speaker of the House, Abdelouahed Radi, said the 8 requests received so far by the House did not respect the legal procedure.