HIBAPRESS
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has denied the circulating claims that the wife of Mohammed El Mehdi Bensaid, a member of the party's collective leadership, benefited from a printing deal within the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication. The party considers these claims to be false and lacking any factual basis or supporting documents.
The party explained, in an explanatory statement, that what it described as defamation and blackmail campaigns targeting Bensaid are based on the dissemination of false news and the promotion of malicious accusations, by linking him to public deals of the ministry, far from the principles of journalistic professionalism and ethics.
The statement affirmed that the conclusion of public deals is a normal and necessary administrative procedure for managing public facilities and implementing their programs and activities. It emphasized that these deals are subject to organized legal procedures, including calls for tenders, competition, and oversight, and do not represent personal privileges for any minister.
The party considered that attempting to present these administrative procedures as personal suspicions represents a confusion between the management of public institutions and private interests. It recalled that deals related to the ministry's work continue as part of the administration's responsibilities, regardless of the individuals holding government positions.
The statement pointed out the re-circulation of previous allegations regarding what was termed "public support for the Moroccan car project," despite its prior denial and refutation. It considered that the repetition of these accusations raises questions about the background of targeting Bensaid with the same allegations over the years.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party stressed that the management of public funds and public deals is subject to a clear legal and oversight system, including the Supreme Audit Court and relevant institutions. It called on anyone with evidence of irregularities or violations to resort to the concerned oversight and judicial institutions.
The party concluded its statement by affirming its right to resort to legal action against anyone proven to be involved in spreading false news, making baseless accusations, or engaging in defamation and blackmail, while emphasizing that this does not aim to undermine freedom of the press or the legitimate right to criticism and accountability.
