Legal Community Advocates for Enhanced Enforcement Against Construction Violations
The Public Prosecutor's Office at the Fes Court of Appeal has announced its decision to present a request to the investigating judge for a preliminary inquiry against 21 individuals accused of involuntary manslaughter and causing bodily harm, following the collapse of two buildings in Fes last December. Human rights activists have expressed hope that this legal action will raise societal awareness and enforce deterrents against violations such as unauthorized construction, which poses significant threats to public safety. However, they emphasize that genuine political will is essential for effective implementation.
Idris Sadrawi, President of the Moroccan Association for Citizenship and Human Rights, stated that initiating prosecution in the Fes buildings case is a crucial step. However, he cautioned that without translating this into a consistent policy addressing construction violations, the desired impact may not be achieved. He pointed out that unauthorized construction and the addition of unapproved floors, often overlooked by certain authorities, cannot be tolerated due to the direct danger they pose to citizens' safety and urban security.
Sadrawi insisted that the current phase necessitates improving legislative texts to achieve the intended deterrence through stricter penalties and clarified responsibilities, while concurrently undertaking comprehensive reforms of monitoring and supervision mechanisms. This would ensure that these violations do not go unpunished. He stressed that achieving deterrence requires a holistic approach based on the strict application of the law without selectivity, linking responsibility with accountability for all involved parties, including those who neglect their duties. Establishing independent and effective monitoring mechanisms, digitizing construction processes to enhance transparency, and involving civil society in monitoring and reporting violations are also crucial steps.
Furthermore, Sadrawi underscored that genuine deterrence can only be realized through clear political and legal will that establishes respect for the law as a general rule and puts an end to all forms of impunity in urban development, thereby ensuring the right to adequate housing as a fundamental element for social stability.
Abdelilah Khadri, President of the Moroccan Human Rights Center, remarked that the issuance of a judicial follow-up decision ensures that the accused remain innocent until proven guilty. He elaborated that the construction and real estate sectors are often marred by corruption and illicit practices, as highlighted by numerous global studies. He called for comprehensive evaluative studies conducted by oversight institutions, public discussions in parliament, the establishment of investigative committees, and the issuance of scientific field studies to inform the public, government, and citizens about the sector's discrepancies, risks of fraud, and issues of public interest.
Khadri also emphasized the need to investigate property prices, construction costs, and economic housing, as well as the dangers of greed and deception and their impacts on citizens' lives. He noted that discussions surrounding construction and corruption can only be resolved through reforms in electoral representation and local democracy, purging these systems of corruption and vote-buying practices.
As reported by hespress.com.
