Rabat – The administration of the local Arjat Prison 1 denied reports that detained lawyer and former minister Mohammed Ziane is on hunger strike.
The prison statement comes amid reports and social media posts suggesting Ziane’s health is deteriorating due to his “hunger strike.”
The prison statement said that Ziane has not submitted any notification of a hunger strike, regularly receives his meals, and purchases food items from the prison store.
“The inmate himself confirmed that he ‘has not and will never submit any notice of a hunger strike and is consuming whatever meals are provided to him or what he purchases from the prison store,’” the prison statement said.
The prison emphasized that Ziane considers a hunger strike as an “act of self-destruction, which is contrary to his religious beliefs.’”
The prison statement said claims spread online from Ziane’s family are an “attempt to mislead public opinion. It added that certain parties are supporting such claims to exploit the case for their “own agendas.”
It warned his family as well as any parties that seek to “exploit his case against continuing such irresponsible and unethical actions.”
The statement conveyed the prison administration’s reassurance that Zian received the “necessary medical care,” enjoying all legally guaranteed rights, including family visits, communication with his lawyer, and contact with relatives.
On November 25, the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Appeal in Rabat issued a statement clarifying that Ziane’s continued detention is fully legal and follows judicial procedures.
The statement came in response to circulating reports attributed to the family of Ziane, who suggested that the former minister is on a hunger strike because he considers himself “arbitrarily detained” since November 21 after completing his prison sentence.
The prosecutor, however, clarified that Ziane had been previously tried in two cases.
Read Also: Public Prosecutor Says Mohammed Ziane’s Detention is Legal, Not Arbitrary
