Members of Morocco’s House of Representatives who are currently facing judicial proceedings will still be allowed to attend the opening of the new parliamentary session on Friday, presided over by King Mohammed VI, according to a senior Hespress AR parliamentary source.
The official states that “the lower house has not taken any measure to exclude MPs under judicial investigation from attending the ceremony,” emphasizing that “the question of the presumption of innocence continues to accompany this issue every year.”
“All lawmakers will attend except those with valid excuses or health-related absences,” the source said, adding that members with ongoing court cases linked to their management of public affairs at the local or regional level “will participate as usual, since the parliamentary bureau has not received any final court ruling that could justify their exclusion.”
Other parliamentary insiders echoed that position, stressing that “the presumption of innocence remains central to the debate, which often stirs significant legal and ethical controversy.” They noted that “the legislative institution only acts upon final judicial decisions, as some of the MPs in question could still be acquitted at the end of the legal process.”
The issue sparked public debate during last year’s fall session after several MPs facing corruption and embezzlement charges were seen attending the royal opening. Critics argued that their presence undermined public confidence in Parliament at a time when the country is seeking to strengthen integrity and transparency in political life.
The controversy came as the House of Representatives adopted a new internal charter, which included a Code of Ethics and Conduct intended to promote accountability among members.
Abdelhafid El Younsi, a political science professor, previously told Hespress AR that while “the presumption of innocence is a constitutional principle that cannot be restricted or violated,” the growing number of MPs under prosecution should have prompted Parliament to adopt “precautionary measures, such as temporarily suspending those under investigation until a final judicial verdict is issued.”
Preparations for Friday’s royal address are already underway, with detailed ceremonial protocols in place. Male MPs are required to wear traditional Moroccan attire, a white jellaba, selham, red fez, yellow slippers, and white socks, while female members must don a white jellaba and matching head covering, in line with long-standing parliamentary customs.
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