The Marrakech Court of Appeal upheld a five-year prison sentence and 1000 MAD in fine on Tuesday against a police officer convicted of having responsibility in the death of a man who had been in police custody on October 6, 2022.
A lower court had tried the officer and found him guilty of involuntary manslaughter as a result of “violence, negligence, failure to exercise reasonable care, and lack of anticipation.”
The incident initially came to light when the regional hospital in Ben Guerir reported the death of a former security guard who had been under arrest and in police custody before arriving at the hospital.
Examination of the body showed visible injuries to the face, likely resulting from multiple falls. Toxicology and autopsy reports indicated that the deceased had a high blood alcohol content of 2.34 g/L at the time of arrest.
The National Police (DGSN) issued a press release stating that the individual “had died en route to the hospital” and had been the subject of an ongoing investigation.
Three police officers have been prosecuted in the matter for “having committed acts of violence during their service” and for “involuntary manslaughter resulting from negligence, lack of reasonable care, and lack of anticipation.” One officer who had been released was tried on the same charges, according to DGSN. An available court report confirmed the sentence of one officer, but no details were provided about verdicts for the others.