Morocco prosecutor orders detention of local council chief over woman’s hotel death

Prosecutors in Morocco ordered the detention Friday of the president of the municipal council of Malleh in the Errachidia province in connection with an investigation into the death of a young woman at a hotel in Midelt earlier this week.

The official, identified by Moroccan media by his initials as “A.A.,” was placed in pretrial detention at Midelt prison after appearing before the public prosecutor following the completion of his police custody, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The investigation was conducted by the Royal Gendarmerie in Midelt under the direct supervision of prosecutors.

The case began after gendarmes were notified that a young woman had been taken in critical condition from a hotel in Midelt to the provincial hospital, where she later died.

Prosecutors ordered an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Initial investigations found that the council president had been at the same hotel with the woman, prompting authorities to investigate the circumstances of their presence together and whether the appropriate procedures were followed when her health deteriorated, according to the report.

Prosecutors are pursuing the official in custody on suspicion of failing to assist a person in danger, pending further investigative measures.

The investigation will include the results of the medical examination and technical reports being prepared as part of the case, according to the prosecutor’s office.

The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and any responsibility for it remain under investigation.