Gdim Izik Trial Carried Out in ‘Normal Conditions’ Monday Morning

Rabat  – The first trial of the Gdim Izik  defendants, who were charged with brutally killing law enforcement officers while they were performing their duties in 2010, took place on Monday morning in “normal conditions,” at the Criminal Chamber of Rabat’s Court of Appeal’s annex in Salé.

The trial started in the presence of the defense’s representatives and the victims’ families, in addition to many national and international observers.

Morocco World News reported on Sunday that the Gdim Izik case had been referred to the Criminal Chamber of Rabat’s Court of Appeals for retrial, in line with Morocco’s endeavors to harmonize national legislation with the provisions of Morocco’s reformed 2011 constitution.

The transfer of the Gdim Izik case to the Rabat Court of Appeals follows the new Military Justice Act, which came into effect on July 1, 2015 in an effort to review the jurisdiction and put an end to the prosecution of civilians before a military court.

The Gdim Izik incident took place during the months of October and November 2010, after a group of Sahrawis set up tent in the outskirts of Laayoune as a way to protest against unemployment and lack of opportunities in the city.

After a string of unsuccessful discussions with protesters, Moroccan authorities moved to dismantle the camp peacefully in a bid to impose the law and the preservation of public order. They were instructed to avoid opening fire or causing damages. However, some Polisario extremists capitalized on the peaceful protest to cause anarchy by attacking the security forces with bottles of gas, knives, swords, incendiary bottles and stones. They killed 11 law enforcement officers, a firefighter and several civilians. They also injured 70 other people and damaged public property.