The 20th edition of the Boulevard festival ended yesterday, with Casablanca’s police denying receiving any reports of sexual assault occurring during Friday’s rap/hip-hop concert.
On Saturday, the festival’s organizers said that they will open investigations into claims of rape and sexual assault that had allegedly taken place, where violence, theft, and assault were also rampant.
Many alleged victims shared their distressing experiences on social media, but authorities have now confirmed that none have officially filed complaints to the police.
“The Casablanca Police Headquarters categorically denied the registration of any complaint or report of an incident of sexual assault during the concert organized last Friday evening in the city of Casablanca,” stated the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) today in a statement.
DGSN assured that “20 people were arrested following what happened on September 30, including six for public drinking and possession of alcoholic beverages, two people for possession and consumption of drugs, two others for assault and battery, and ten for theft.”
Security services also dement “misleading rumors” spread on social media, which “falsely claimed that an underage girl was raped and other female victims were stripped naked during this concert.”
All the suspects have been subjected to judicial investigations issued by a prosecutor’s office, while the viewing of surveillance camera recordings and visual diagnostic procedures continue in order to identify and apprehend all those involved in the violence and assaults that occurred during the event.
L’Boulevard organizers came out with another press release today saying: “If the evening of September 30, which was intended to be a celebration of Moroccan rap, leaves a bitter taste in the mouths of the public, L’Boulevard and its artists, the last two days of the festival took place in the best conditions.”
“The Boulevard in no way minimizes the seriousness of the violence perpetrated during the evening of Friday, September 30, and once again apologizes to those who suffered.”
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.