Minister Bensaid labels accusations 'dangerous and unprecedented,' plans legal response

Morocco’s Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, has categorically denied a series of “dangerous and unprecedented” allegations circulating on a website and social media platforms, calling them false claims linked to an ongoing judicial case.

In a statement addressed to the public, Bensaïd said he was shocked by the spread of information that directly targets his personal integrity, the dignity of his family, the responsibilities he holds, and the political party to which he belongs. He stressed that “the matter has gone beyond legitimate criticism and entered the realm of defamation and attacks on honor and reputation.”

The minister emphasized that the claims are “pure lies, fabricated news, and serious false accusations that cannot be ignored,” describing the campaign as lacking the most basic standards of credibility and objectivity. He said it aims to mislead public opinion and deliberately damage his reputation.

While reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression and the essential role of constructive criticism in evaluating public work, Bensaïd noted that the current attacks “have nothing to do with free speech” and constitute a systematic attempt to undermine his reputation with what he called “baseless and dangerous accusations.”

He announced his intention to pursue all legal channels and take judicial action against anyone proven to have fabricated, spread, or promoted these allegations. The minister expressed full confidence in the judiciary, stating that he seeks only to restore his reputation and obtain symbolic compensation.

Bensaïd concluded by asserting that these “desperate attempts at disruption” will not deter him from continuing to perform his duties and serve the nation, focusing on major projects within the sectors under his responsibility, while distancing himself from what he described as “conflicts of illusion.”