Morocco justice minister pledges illicit enrichment law
Abdellatif Ouahbi faces parliamentary pressure for delayed anti-corruption reforms including asset declarations and whistleblower protections.
Morocco's Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi pledged on November 2 to introduce new laws targeting illicit enrichment, conflicts of interest, and money laundering. He stated these measures must uphold the presumption of innocence and fair-trial rights during a House of Representatives session.
Lawmakers, including PJD's Abdessamad Haiker, demanded stronger asset declarations and whistleblower protections, criticizing the minister's response as "pitiful" and referencing a previously withdrawn illicit enrichment bill. Ouahbi countered that unexplained wealth should not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing, raising concerns about the right to remain silent.
The ministry is considering a separate anti-corruption code to consolidate offenses like illicit enrichment and money laundering. Ouahbi invited further contributions from parliamentary groups, including the PJD, for these proposed reforms.
Why it mattersMoroccan lawmakers are pushing for stronger anti-corruption measures that could impact public officials and their financial dealings.