Lawyers' Strike Causes Postponement in High-Profile Case
The proceedings regarding the trial of a psychologist accused of sexually exploiting his patients were postponed today, Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Court of Appeal in Fes. This delay was attributed to the absence of the defendants' legal representatives, coinciding with a strike action by lawyers. The trial is centered on serious allegations against the psychologist, who is accused of subjecting his patients to dubious treatment sessions that included elements of sorcery, while also allegedly encouraging them to become addicted to hard drugs.
This marks the second session of the psychologist's trial in the appellate phase, which has now been rescheduled to July 9, 2026. Earlier, in March 2026, the primary criminal court had sentenced the psychologist (identified by initials S.A.A) to 20 years in prison and imposed a fine of 200,000 dirhams after he was found guilty of human trafficking, as well as drug possession and consumption (specifically heroin), and facilitating these activities for others.
In addition to the psychologist, several accomplices received varying sentences. A photographer involved in the case was sentenced to six years in prison and fined 10,000 dirhams, while the psychologist's cousin, a carpenter, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with a fine of 50,000 dirhams. A retired nurse received a one-year prison sentence along with a 5,000 dirham fine. Furthermore, a university professor specializing in psychology was sentenced to six months in prison and fined 5,000 dirhams, while a Belgian national who owned a tourist complex, along with an employee at the establishment, were each sentenced to one year in prison—fined 20,000 dirhams and 5,000 dirhams, respectively.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
