Judul : Morocco’s Justice Minister denies corruption allegations, 'welcoms' tax review
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Morocco’s Justice Minister denies corruption allegations, 'welcoms' tax review
In his first public appearance addressing the so-called “Jabarout Leaks,” Morocco’s Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi defended himself against mounting allegations involving the purchase and transfer of a luxury property in Rabat worth MAD 11 million.
In an exclusive interview with Best for you, Ouahbi denied any wrongdoing, stating that he legally acquired the property via a bank loan in 2020, prior to his ministerial appointment, and fully repaid the loan within four years.
He also confirmed that he gifted the property to his wife last August, declaring it as a donation worth 1 million dirhams. The valuation, significantly below the property’s market price, sparked accusations of tax evasion across social media platforms.
“They didn’t publish the full file,” Ouahbi said, referring to the leaked documents circulating online. “I gifted the property to my wife, who has no job or pension, as part of my recognition for her domestic work, which I have long championed as deserving value.”
When asked about the discrepancy in the property’s declared value, the minister asserted that he was within his rights to estimate its worth, as the transaction was not a sale and generated no profit. “If it is proven that I profited and didn’t pay taxes, I’m ready to be held accountable,” he said, adding that he reported the transfer and all his assets to the relevant authorities.
Ouahbi criticized what he called “selective leaks” aimed at defaming him, suggesting they originated abroad and are being exploited domestically for political motives. “Some actors abroad manipulate these leaks to imply criminal wrongdoing, while a fifth column within the country uses them to settle scores,” he said.
Despite the controversy, the justice minister said he is not legally obligated to respond to social media chatter. “It’s not my job to answer every rumor online,” he said, noting that the documents in question emerged from an unknown foreign source and were being circulated irresponsibly.
He accused those sharing the leaks of undermining national responsibility. “It is a crime to share documents without verifying their authenticity,” Ouahbi said. “Those who call themselves anti-corruption warriors are complicit in spreading misinformation.”
Although he refrained from taking legal action thus far, Ouahbi hinted that he may respond once his term ends. “Luckily for those engaging in populism, I’m still a minister and constrained in what I can say. But I have one year left (…) I’ll see them in court after that.”
Targeted Reforms and Online Attacks
Ouahbi claimed the leaks are part of a broader campaign targeting him personally and his family due to his push for progressive legal reforms, including his proposal to revise Morocco’s family code. “When I presented my vision, I was insulted beyond belief, but I remained silent because I stand by my convictions,” he said. He described the attacks as ongoing and often accusing him of corruption or even apostasy.
He also contextualized the leaks as part of a larger shift in warfare dynamics. “These are not just leaks, they represent a move from traditional to digital warfare,” he said. He dismissed any suggestion of Morocco’s involvement in cross-border espionage or leak operations, emphasizing that some of the documents may have been stolen from law firms or notary offices and are now being weaponized by bad actors online.
When asked about taking legal action, Ouahbi said he hasn’t yet done so, but he is monitoring the situation closely. He also addressed journalist Hamid El Mahdaoui, saying the journalist continues to slander him and sought negotiations through Ouahbi’s legal team. “What’s there to negotiate after he insulted me and my family? Freedom of the press does not mean slander and lies,” he said.
On the leak of data related to judges and ministry officials, Ouahbi clarified that investigations, if needed, fall under the Public Prosecutor’s Office and not the Justice Ministry.
Civil Procedure Reform and Legal Modernization
Commenting on the draft law for Morocco’s civil procedure code, which was recently referred to the Constitutional Court, Ouahbi acknowledged public hesitation toward legal reform. “People are afraid to change texts from the 1970s because they’re tied to personal interests,” he said. “Over 500 new articles were introduced, each with legal consequences and ties to modern technologies, so it’s normal for there to be concerns.”
Ouahbi welcomed the Constitutional Court review, calling it a “positive step” that will give the law stronger constitutional grounding. He emphasized the importance of balancing legal perspectives across the judiciary, bar, and executive.
Criminal Code and Family Law Reforms Still in Play
Turning to the long-awaited criminal code overhaul, Ouahbi admitted delays but assured that the bill would soon be submitted to the legislative process. He attributed the challenge to Morocco’s “traditionalist society” and the delicate balancing act between modernity and cultural heritage. “Stability depends on maintaining this balance,” he said.
He pushed back against rumors that the family law reform was stripped from his ministry, confirming he remains central to the project. “Some were hoping I’d be removed, but that clearly didn’t happen,” he said. The reform, he added, is in its final stages and is being advanced in coordination with key institutions.
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