The Casablanca Criminal Court affirmed the rule of law during the trial of Jamila Girando and several defendants accused of digital defamation, in a case that has garnered significant media interest and is subject to meticulous procedures reflecting respect for the law and judicial independence.
The session commenced, as usual, with the court verifying the identity of the defendants, followed by the public prosecutor’s office presenting a detailed response to the procedural defenses put forth by the defense team. The response was not merely rhetorical; it was supported by clear legal texts that align with Moroccan law and relevant international agreements.
Prosecutors emphasized that all legal guarantees were observed during the proceedings. Searches and investigations were conducted under the supervision of the prosecutor and in accordance with established protocols, with no violations reported. This procedural discipline highlights the professionalism of the judicial apparatus and upholds the principle of a fair trial.
Regarding claims of lack of jurisdiction, the prosecution asserted that this defense lacks a legal basis and was confronted with evidence and official documents. They also pointed out that the signatures of defendant (A.H.) on the records were valid and consistent, refuting any suspicion of forgery, while their representative noted that defendant (A.A.) refrained from signing solely due to a desire for translation, a right that was duly respected by the authorities.
For his part, lawyer Ali Lametiri, representing the civil plaintiff, delivered a balanced address, confirming that the case is based on an official complaint from his client (H.B.), countering allegations of the absence of any complaint in the file. He clarified that the defamation campaigns not only affected his personal life but also targeted his wife and family, making this trial both a moral and legal necessity.
The court displayed its independence in managing the discussions, allowing a victim (H.D.) to provide a personal clarification without considering it a breach of procedures, despite the defense’s request to prevent it. The court maintained a balance between legal discipline and the rights of the parties to express themselves.
The public prosecutor concluded their remarks by reaffirming that the file is progressing within a sound legal framework, without breaches, and that there is no justification for accepting procedural defenses. This stance reflects the Moroccan judiciary’s commitment to protecting rights on one hand and combating digital defamation crimes on the other, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law.
The court is set to discuss the substance of the actions attributed to the defendants, amid close scrutiny from the media and public opinion, in a trial that demonstrates day by day that judicial institutions are capable of ensuring a balance between freedom of expression and digital responsibility.
