Authorities deny rumors street vendor’s death was linked to public space intervention

Local authorities in the Inezgane-Ait Melloul prefecture have firmly denied claims circulating on social media that the death of a street vendor in Leqliaa was connected to a recent public space clearance operation.

According to an official statement released on Tuesday, the vendor, whose identity has not been disclosed, passed away on the evening of the same day after experiencing a sudden malaise while in a public area of Leqliaa. Authorities were alerted to the presence of the unconscious individual and promptly arranged for his urgent transport to the provincial hospital in Inezgane. Despite these efforts, the man was declared dead upon arrival by a specialized medical team.

The statement also addressed and refuted the rumors that began to circulate shortly after the incident, which suggested that the man’s death was a direct result of a public space clearance operation conducted earlier in the day. Authorities stressed that these claims are entirely unfounded.

The prefecture further emphasized that a judicial investigation has been launched by the Royal Gendarmerie, under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office. This investigation is expected to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.