Salé authorities began demolishing the iconic but unofficial landmark of the city «Villa Seboua», sparking protests from the owner's family. Human rights groups supported the demolition, calling it a crucial step to enforce building laws and promote fair urban planning. In the presence of numerous residents, local authorities in Salé began demolishing the so-called «Villa Seboua» (The lions villa) on Wednesday, located in Hay Chmaou neighborhood. The move is part of an ongoing campaign to combat building code violations and reclaim public property. «Villa Seboua», owned by a lawyer affiliated with the Rabat Bar Association, had become one of the city's most recognizable unofficial landmarks. Known for its unique architecture and a façade adorned with dozens of stone sculptures of eagles, horses, and lions, the villa was a point of curiosity and admiration for many visitors. The owner's passion for sculpture and stone art had turned the property into an unconventional local attraction. The demolition sparked mixed reactions among the public. Some residents expressed sorrow over the loss of what they viewed as a potential cultural or tourist site, capable of enriching the local arts scene and boosting the area's economy. Others, however, welcomed the decision as a necessary step toward enforcing the law and restoring order. The owner's family voiced strong opposition to the demolition, which was carried out in his absence while he was out of town. They condemned the action as «unjust» and «unfair», pointing out that the house was built nearly 27 years ago and had been gradually expanded over time without objection from previous local authorities. They questioned the motivations behind the current administration's decision. A welcomed move In contrast, the National Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption issued a statement fully supporting the demolition. The group argued that the construction clearly violated building codes and public property regulations, despite previous warnings and official notices. The organization praised the move as a step in the right direction to reassert the rule of law and protect public interest. However, it also warned against selective or politically motivated enforcement, urging a broader crackdown on all urban planning violations. They stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, citizens, contractors, and local officials, in efforts to address such irregularities. The longevity of the villa, the organization noted, raises serious questions about possible complicity or negligence within technical and municipal departments. The statement concluded by emphasizing that preserving the quality of Morocco's cities is a shared responsibility. It called on the Ministry of Interior and local authorities to publish lists of illegal buildings slated for demolition, along with clear criteria and timelines, to ensure transparency and fairness in enforcement.
