A Moroccan court has begun proceedings against 39 people accused of participating in riots and acts of vandalism following unrest near the Beni Ensar border crossing leading to the Spanish enclave of Melilla.
The Court of First Instance in Nador postponed the trial until next week after granting the defendants additional time to prepare their defense.
The suspects are facing a range of charges linked to the disturbances, which erupted after groups of would-be irregular migrants allegedly damaged public property and targeted commercial establishments near the border crossing.
Several defendants have been charged with insulting public officials while they were carrying out their duties, using violence against law enforcement officers, violent resistance against public authorities, incitement to commit offenses through threats made during public gatherings, and damaging property intended for public use.
Other defendants face additional charges, including assaulting public officials in the course of their duties, causing injuries and bleeding, violent rebellion against public officials, and destruction of public property. Three suspects whose cases were also postponed are expected to be brought before the court from prison at the next hearing.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office also charged another group of defendants with offenses including insulting and assaulting public officials, violent resistance, incitement to commit offenses in public gatherings, and damaging public property.
Two suspects were separately charged with organizing and facilitating the illegal departure of foreign nationals from Moroccan territory.
Another defendant faces charges that include insulting and assaulting public officials, damaging public property, violent resistance, incitement to commit an offense, and attempting to leave Moroccan territory through an unauthorized crossing point.
A separate suspect was charged with the same offenses, while another faces an additional charge of possessing a weapon under circumstances deemed to threaten public safety.
The unrest broke out on Friday night near the Beni Ensar crossing, where groups of would-be irregular migrants allegedly vandalized public infrastructure and attacked several commercial premises. The incidents prompted Moroccan authorities to reinforce security in the area and continue security operations to restore order and secure the border zone.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.