Minister of Higher Education Takes Action Amid Audio Scandal
In a significant turn of events, the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research, and Innovation has swiftly suspended the Dean of the Faculty of Arabic Language in Marrakech following the emergence of audio recordings purportedly containing phone conversations between the Dean and a student from the college. The situation has ignited widespread discussion on social media platforms, sparking virtual trials that render judgments without due process, disregarding the presumption of innocence or the right to defense. It is crucial to note that the recordings in question are over 18 years old, contrary to the claims circulating among social media users.
Dean's Defense and Allegations of Malicious Intent
Dr. Ahmed Qadim, the suspended Dean, broke his silence by issuing a clarifying statement on his personal Facebook page, outlining that the alleged student first contacted him in 2008, presenting herself as someone suffering from psychological issues due to her attachment to him, which led to her departure from the university. He emphasized that his responses, which have since been deleted, consistently encouraged her to return to her studies. However, she reportedly rejected all such attempts. This prompted Dr. Qadim to consider her as potentially needing psychological help, as their conversations were centered around facilitating her return to the college.
The issue resurfaced in 2012 when a student informed Dr. Qadim that the caller was not a student but rather an individual attempting to blackmail him. This student aided Dr. Qadim in disposing of the hard drive containing the recordings at that time. However, it was later revealed that a copy of the recordings was in the possession of another professor at the college, who confessed to having received them but claimed they were lost, pledging to destroy them if found again. Years later, these recordings were released, manipulated to create a misleading context, with the professor being a rival of Dr. Qadim for the deanship.
In concluding his statement, Dr. Qadim asserted that he had never met the so-called student in person and suggested that the actions taken against him were driven by vindictiveness. He highlighted that the rival professor had previously attempted to discredit him by distributing a related thesis to undergraduate students, which Dr. Qadim intervened to halt. He emphasized that he possesses evidence to support his claims and is prepared to present them in any necessary investigation.
Dr. Qadim urged the Minister to prioritize legal proceedings over emotional responses, criticizing the ministry for not consulting him or investigating the facts before taking action. He appealed to the Minister, stating that he could provide critical information regarding sensitive matters if the integrity and reputation of the university are genuinely at stake.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
