Former Moroccan Minister Mohamed Ziane Sentenced

Mohamed Ziane, an 81-year-old former Moroccan minister and human rights advocate, has been sentenced to five years in prison for embezzlement and misappropriation of public funds related to his political party's 2015 election campaign. Ziane's attorney, who is also his son, claims the charges are baseless and politically motivated, arguing that the verdict amounts to a life sentence given his age and health. This conviction follows Ziane's previous three-year sentence, which he is currently serving, for multiple charges including defamation and insulting public officials, stemming from his outspoken criticism of the Moroccan government and monarchy. His recent remarks suggested the king should consider abdication, citing concerns over the monarch's prolonged absences from the country and controversial associations. The case has drawn condemnation from human rights organizations, reflecting broader issues of freedom of expression in Morocco. Ziane's legal team plans to appeal the latest ruling, asserting that the legal process lacked transparency.