26 March 2010

Morocco: Otman Babi reappears before judge at Rabat's Court of Appeals

Otman Babi, who was disappeared by security services officers after his arrest on 10 March 2010, has reappeared after being transferred to Salé and then appeared before the Investigating Judge at Rabat's Court of Appeals on 22 March 2010.

On 22 March 2010, Alkarama submitted Otman Babi's case as an urgent appeal to the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances (WGEID) requesting its intervention with the Moroccan authorities.

Mr. Otman Babi, 27, was arrested in the early evening on 10 March 2010 at his family home in Casablanca by six security officers dressed in civilian clothing. The officers searched his home without a warrant, going far beyond the legal timeframe allocated for a police search. He was then taken to an unknown destination. Despite his parents attempts with the authorities, they were denied any information as to his whereabouts until his reappearance.

Alkarama continues to monitor Otman Babi's case, in order to guarantee that the fundamental a fair trial are respected by the Moroccan authorities.