Legal proceedings against Moroccan medical professionals

A criminal court in Casablanca has sentenced Rachid Cherkab, a medical professor and anesthesiology specialist at Ibn Rochd University Hospital, to one year in prison. Cherkab, referred to as the ‘Doctor of the Poor’ for his advocacy for low-income patients, was arrested directly from the courtroom following the verdict. The charges against him included defamation via digital media and impersonating a union official.

Two other individuals also received sentences: Abdellatif Saddar, the national secretary of the Democratic Health Union, was sentenced to two years in prison and a 5,000 dirham fine, while a third individual received a six-month sentence. The court ordered financial compensation for the Casablanca-Settat Territorial Health Group and other claimants.

The rulings have drawn condemnation from the Moroccan Democratic Union of Labour (UMT) and human rights activists. Supporters argue the prosecution is a retaliation against Cherkab’s whistleblowing regarding alleged corruption, mismanagement, and medical ethics violations within the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center. Advocates are calling for a formal investigation into the hospital management irregularities originally reported by the doctors.