On Tuesday, the criminal chamber of Casablanca's appeal court handed down sentences ranging from 20 years in jail to one-year prison term against Hirak detainees. The decision was described as «unfair» by Moroccan politicians. For the Unified Socialist Party (PSU), the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD), the Democratic Way (Moroccan political parties) and Islamist association Al Adl Wal Ihssane, sentences issued by the Casablanca Appeal Court, Tuesday, against 53 Hirak detainees are «harsh» and «unfair». On Wednesday, the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) held a press conference, denouncing yesterday's verdict. Moroccan politician Nabila Mounib, a member of the FGD who also serves as the General Secretary of PSU, explained to yabiladi minutes before the start of the meeting her party's position regarding the Hirak trial. «For us, these are heavy sentences that can lead the country and society to the unknown», she argued. «We were surprised, like all Moroccans, and do not understand why the state continues to hand down similar verdicts», she added. «The state adopts the same approach while we all expect it to show signs of wisdom when dealing with the current political and economic crisis». Nabila Mounib Commenting on the sentences she called unfair and harsh, Mounib said she was «ready to engage in activities needed to fight against 'arbitrary' activist detentions». «We must not keep quiet on what is happening now», she insisted, stressing that «some political parties have turned their backs to these youngsters when they needed solidarity». Al Adl Wal Ihsane and the Democratic Way to keep «supporting Hiraks» On the other hand, Mounir Jouri, a member of Al Adl Wal Ihsane's political secretariat shared the same opinion as Mounib, declaring that yesterday's sentences were «severe». «It shows that those who issued these rulings and fabricated these lawsuits still don't realize that Moroccans are not scared of repression anymore», he told Yabiladi. «The people are determined to defend their dignity and will be able to reach that one day. These sentences will increase tension and Moroccans will end up losing faith in the judicial system». Mounir Jouri Meanwhile, the Democratic Way Secretary General Mustapha Brahma believes that «the unfair and harsh sentences pronounced against Hirak activists reflect the true nature of the system». «Legitimate social demands were met by heavy sentences. We can see how the authorities responded to these young people's demands». Mustapha Brahma Like the FGD, Brahma and Jouri announced that calls have been launched since yesterday to protest against the sentences handed down by the court.
