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Rabat – Police in Khenifra arrested two people for spreading false news about a murder that never happened. The suspects, aged 43 and 46, shared fake reports on social media, causing panic in the town.
The posts claimed that a schoolgirl had been attacked and killed, with her body left outside the city. But when police checked, they found no such crime had taken place.
Investigators quickly moved to track down those responsible when the digital teams spotted the posts online.
One of the suspects has a criminal record and is now in custody. Authorities are now looking into why they spread the false story in the first place, and the investigation is still ongoing.
Read Also: Moroccan Government, TikTok Join Forces to Combat Fake News and Privacy Violations
The law in Morocco is strict when it comes to fake news. If someone spreads false stories, they can get in big trouble. The police constantly monitor social media and online posts to catch anyone sharing lies that may scare people.
The Moroccan Penal Code says it is a crime to spread lies that hurt people or cause panic. There is also a special law, particularly about fake news on social media that bans false posts that break public trust. Plus, cybercrime laws can be used if the lies spread online.
The punishment can be tough, and some people have to pay big fines. Others may go to jail, especially if the fake news causes fear or damages someone’s name. If the lie is about public safety, the punishment can be even worse.
Moroccan authorities do not wait, and this recent incident in Khenifra is evidence of their commitment. If they find fake news, they track down the people behind it, to set a precedent and deter repeated behavior.
