HIBAPRESS – Abdel Latif Barka
A journalist, Hassan Barkouz, was subjected to a violent physical assault near a mosque in the village of Al-Haq, in the province of Settat, on Sunday evening, October 11th. A person attacked him, causing injuries to his face that required his urgent transfer to Al-Mukhtar Al-Susi Regional Hospital in Biougra to receive necessary treatment.
According to available information, the incident began when a car, carrying two people, passed near the correspondent who was present at the location as part of his duties. After the car stopped about 20 meters away, it backed up towards him, before one of the passengers alighted and directed provocative words at him. This was followed by a physical assault that knocked him to the ground, causing him to lose consciousness. The assailant continued to kick him in the face before leaving the scene.
The victim was transferred to the hospital under the direction of Royal Gendarmerie elements. He underwent a medical examination, including a head scan, and received necessary treatment for his upper lip. Medical documents were also prepared regarding the injuries and the duration of his incapacity.
In the same context, the Royal Gendarmerie elements at the Sidi Bibi center have initiated investigation procedures into the case, in coordination with the competent public prosecution, with the aim of determining the circumstances of the assault and assigning legal responsibilities.
The correspondent stated that he knows the suspect, who previously resided in the area before moving to the commune of Sidi Bibi. The incident has caused a wave of solidarity in journalistic and associative circles, amid demands for the circumstances to be revealed and the law to be applied.
