Rabat – The price of the fish has reportedly dropped in Al-Hoceima markets over the past few days.
Prices plummeted following the tragic death of fish vendor, Mouhcine Fikri, who was crushed to death tragically in a trash compactor while protesting the confiscation of his merchandise by authorities last week.
Al-Hoceima fish markets are describing the drop unprecedented, especially for sardines, which plummeted from MAD 40 to MAD 7 for one kilogram.
According to the local population, the decrease is a direct result of the investigations underway concerning the death of Fikri and the dismissal of officials at Al-Hoceima’s Fishing Delegation, including a delegate for fishing, the head of the fishing delegation department, and the chief of staff of the veterinary department.
In an interview with Morocco World News, Atif Bougamza, political analyst and Al-Hoceima native, said, “It seems that the advancement of the investigations [concerning the death of Fikri] have affected the officials who were manipulating the fish prices, especially the brokers who have seemingly stepped back directing the fishery of Al-Hoceima into other areas of Morocco.”
“The taxes and levies that were imposed on the sailors by the Al-Hoceima’s Fishing Delegation have fallen. Therefore, we conclude that the fish prices decreased to their usual prices,” he added.
With respect to the investigation of the events regarding the death of Fikri, Interior Minister Mohammed Hassad informed the deceased’s family that perpetrators involved in the tragic incident will be brought to justice and the law will be strictly enforced.
