Marrakech Court Sentences Algerian to Eight Months in Prison for Destroying Banknotes in Stadium
The Marrakech primary court issued a ruling on Thursday, January 22, 2026, sentencing British-Algerian citizen Bilal Khenouch to eight months in prison, along with a fine of 500 dirhams, for willfully damaging currency.
The case stems from an incident that occurred in the stands of the Marrakech stadium during a match featuring the Algerian national team, where the accused tore a banknote. This act sparked widespread outrage and prompted the authorities to open a judicial investigation into the matter.
Bilal Khenouch appeared before the public prosecutor on January 14, in custody, before being transferred to the “Oudaya” prison in Marrakech, pending the completion of legal proceedings which culminated in the aforementioned ruling.
