The son of Moroccan lawyer and former human rights minister Mohammed Zayan, Mohammed Ali Zayan, has raised concerns about his father's deteriorating health in prison. Mohammed Zayan, 83, is serving a five-year sentence. His son warns that his health is worsening, citing a recent medical examination that revealed a tumor on his prostate and tooth loss, which he attributes to poor nutrition in prison.
According to Mohammed Ali Zayan, recent medical tests showed a tumor that requires a surgical biopsy to determine its nature. The family is worried about the potential risks of this medical intervention given his father's advanced age and declining health. Mohammed Ali Zayan also stated that his father sometimes refuses to go to the hospital because prison authorities insist on handcuffing him, which he believes is an affront to his dignity.
Mohammed Ali Zayan responded to statements from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation, emphasizing that providing healthcare to prisoners is a guaranteed right and a legal and humanitarian duty, not a privilege granted by prison authorities. He argued that his father's refusal to receive medical treatment is linked to the prison administration's insistence on handcuffing him.
Mohammed Ali Zayan described the charges and sentences against his father as politically motivated. He questioned the recent five-year prison sentence, especially since the funds related to the case, approximately 116 million centimes, were returned to the state treasury. He also mentioned that the Supreme Court of Accounts did not refer the case to the public prosecutor.
The defense team is awaiting a decision from the Court of Cassation, hoping it will allow for the merger of the two sentences against Mohammed Zayan, potentially reducing his prison time to eight years. Mohammed Ali Zayan called on political authorities, the government, and parliament to intervene and take responsibility, urging them to pass a comprehensive pardon law that includes his father and other prisoners held on charges related to freedom of expression and social movements.
Mohammed Ali Zayan expressed gratitude to citizens, human rights organizations, and political parties that have shown solidarity with his father. He emphasized the importance of continued support and solidarity in light of his father's challenging health and judicial circumstances. The family is advocating for a comprehensive pardon to close this case.
The case has raised concerns about the treatment of prisoners and access to healthcare in Moroccan prisons. Mohammed Ali Zayan's statements highlight the need for prison authorities to prioritize the health and dignity of prisoners, particularly those with serious medical conditions or advanced age.
Key points
- Mohammed Zayan's son demands a comprehensive pardon for his father and other prisoners held on charges related to freedom of expression and social movements.
