Professor Rachid Cherkab sentenced to prison in Morocco

Professor Rachid Cherkab, a medical professor and former head of the intensive care and anesthesia department at Ibn Rochd University Hospital in Casablanca, has been sentenced to one year in prison. The ruling, issued by the Ain Sebaâ Criminal Court, included charges of defamation and impersonation following his criticisms regarding the management of the hospital.

In addition to Cherkab's sentence, the court handed a two-year prison term and a 5,000 dirham fine to Abdellatif Saddar, and a six-month sentence to a third individual. The court also ordered financial compensation for the Casablanca-Settat Territorial Health Group and other civil claimants.

The Moroccan Democratic Union of Labour (UMT) has condemned the arrests, calling for the immediate release of the doctors. The union argues that the case raises concerns regarding freedom of expression and union activities. The UMT has called for a formal investigation into the management irregularities previously raised by the doctors, including allegations concerning medical ethics and staff involvement in private clinics while working in the public sector.