Authorities investigate alleged gang rape in Moussem, as victim's mother reveals tragic details

El Jadida’s Moulay Abdallah moussem festivities ended in tragedy, as claims of a 14-year-old boy’s gang rape took over social media this weekend.

The child, visiting the moussem with friends from Youssoufia, made headlines upon his return in a devastating physical state, telling his mother he “regret going to the moussem.”

Hespress AR spoke to the abused child and his mother, who appeared pale and lost in thought, clinging to her son, who’s clearly still in shock or under sedation.

“These people tormented us, they abused my son, and we still don’t know what they gave him to drink and what they fed him, he became dizzy and couldn’t stay up. I want them to be held accountable,” said the mother before she was overcome with tears.

The boy reportedly told his mother that he planned to travel with a friend he had met at a local market, assuring her he would return the following day.

The pair financed the trip with proceeds from a small crop sale and a modest contribution from the friend. Upon arrival at the festival, their group grew to more than 11 people, including a girl who later left the group. The group initially stayed in a tent that changed locations daily before moving into a building in Moulay Abdellah.

During their stay, the group allegedly consumed various types of drugs. Both the boy and his mother emphasized the frequent use of solvent-based glue, commonly referred to as “souss” or “silisiyoun.” The boy and his companion were reportedly tasked with acquiring the substance on demand and were pressured into inhaling it by older group members.

After realizing the troubling nature of the situation, the boy’s friend fled the group and disappeared.

According to the boy, the group’s behavior seemed normal during the first two days. However, on the third day, he began to suspect he was being subjected to abuse.

While details were not publicly disclosed, the mother said her son named individuals from the group and described his ordeal. Around the same time, the girl who had been traveling with the group disappeared. One group member allegedly instructed the boy and his friend to find and bring her back to the camp, though the search was unsuccessful.

The young victim has been transferred to multiple hospitals for medical examination.

Following initial reports made by the child’s mother and support from neighbors and local NGOs, the boy was first taken to a hospital in the Jabourat area near Youssoufia. However, the initial examination yielded inconclusive results due to the amount of time that had passed since the alleged incident. Medical staff subsequently referred him to a hospital in Marrakesh for further evaluation.

According to the mother, the boy became distressed during the examination process, refusing to continue the medical tests for unknown reasons. “He started crying and screaming,” she told Hespress AR. “I think it’s either from pain, fear, trauma—or maybe he’s still under the influence of something they gave him.”

Authorities were alerted to the case after signs suggested the child may have been drugged and subjected to possible group abuse. Acting on instructions from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, judicial police from both the regional and local units in El Jadida traveled to Youssoufia to assume responsibility for the case.

The boy and his mother were then transferred to El Jadida, which falls under the proper jurisdiction, as the alleged abuse occurred in the Moulay Abdellah area, part of the Doukkala region.

Local authorities are actively investigating the alleged abuse. The mother, a widow, praised the support received from local police and neighbors.

“The gendarmes in El Jadida took care of us, gave us food and a place to sleep. May God bless them,” she said in a tearful statement. “I’m just a widowed woman raising this boy alone. I hope for a better future for him. They treated me with compassion, and I want those responsible to be caught and held accountable.”

According to Hespress AR sources close to the case, the investigation is proceeding under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeals in El Jadida.

The child is scheduled to undergo a forensic medical examination at Mohamed V Hospital or another authorized facility, pending final approval from the prosecutor’s office.

Officials will interview the boy in the presence of his mother once his physical and psychological condition stabilizes, to ensure his testimony is clear and constructive.

Field and technical investigations will follow, guided by the findings of the medical report and in line with judicial procedures. Authorities aim to identify and arrest all potential suspects and determine legal action for those found responsible.

The incident has sparked outrage among child protection advocates and human rights organizations. Several groups issued public statements condemning the alleged abuse and calling for full transparency throughout the investigation.

They stressed the importance of providing both psychological and financial support to the child and his mother, citing their vulnerable socio-economic status following the father’s death. Advocates also called for the boy’s reintegration into the education system to ensure his right to learning, development, and safety.

“Justice must be served. This is not just about punishment, it’s about restoring dignity to a child who’s already suffered enough,” one activist told Hespress AR.

Authorities have yet to confirm arrests, but pressure continues to mount for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s ordeal during the festival.