HIBAPRESS – Rabat
Reactions continue to the preliminary rulings issued against Professor Rashid Sharqab and a number of his colleagues in the case related to statements and criticisms regarding the management of Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center in Casablanca.
In this regard, civil society actors announced their solidarity with the detainees, demanding the guarantee of defense rights and a review of the restrictive measure taken against the university doctor, in addition to opening an independent investigation into the potential irregularities previously raised within the hospital institution.
In its statement, the Moroccan Organization for Rights and Freedoms expressed its concern over the prison sentences and financial compensation issued in the case, considering that they raise rights-related questions about the principles of necessity and proportionality, and their potential impact on the climate of reporting irregularities within public institutions.
The organization affirmed, on the other hand, its respect for the independence of the judiciary and the rights of all parties to the lawsuit, clarifying that its position does not constitute a prejudgment of the judicial reasoning, which it indicated it has not yet reviewed.
The human rights body emphasized the need to strike a balance between freedom of expression and responsible reporting of irregularities, on the one hand, and the protection of individuals' reputation, dignity, private lives, and defense rights, on the other hand, while stressing that combating corruption and safeguarding individual rights should proceed within the framework of legal guarantees.
Among the most prominent demands included in the statement is the call to open an independent administrative and oversight investigation into the potential irregularities previously raised within Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, and to verify the fate of complaints and reports submitted regarding them, and to assign legal responsibilities upon proof of any violations.
The organization also called for the release of Professor Rashid Sharqab in accordance with available legal mechanisms and procedures, and a review of the restrictive measure taken against him by the competent judicial authority, while guaranteeing his right to a fair trial and enabling him to exercise his defense rights.
In the same context, it called for the preservation of freedom of expression, trade union work, and legitimate professional criticism, with the necessity of distinguishing between the exercise of constitutional rights and actions legally proven to constitute defamation or infringement of the rights of others.
The statement was not limited to judicial and trade union aspects, but also addressed union statements regarding a medical intervention attributed to Professor Rashid Sharqab, which reportedly helped save a patient from the potential amputation of one of his limbs.
The organization considered that this incident warrants an investigation into its circumstances and the extent to which the independence of medical decision-making and the priority of patient safety in emergency cases were respected, affirming the importance of protecting patient rights and ensuring respect for medical practice ethics.
It also called for strengthening transparency and accountability within public health institutions, establishing independent and effective mechanisms for receiving and investigating reports, and providing legal protection for whistleblowers in accordance with the conditions stipulated by law.
In conclusion of its position, the Moroccan Organization for Rights and Freedoms affirmed that its solidarity with Sharqab and his colleagues is not aimed at the judiciary nor does it constitute interference in its jurisdiction, but rather falls, in its words, within the framework of defending fundamental freedoms and fair trial guarantees, and calling for a review of the rulings through legal appeal channels.
