Minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri denounces land sale allegations, plans legal action
Marrakech Mayor Slams "Malicious Leaks," Announces Legal Action
Minister Denies Allegations of Irregularities in Land Sales, Vows Transparency
Moroccan Minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, who also serves as Mayor of Marrakech, has announced legal action against what she calls “malicious leaks” circulating on social media alleging irregularities in land sales.
In a statement released Thursday, Mansouri categorically denied the claims, asserting that the lands in question were part of a family inheritance and not public property. She accused those behind the allegations of distorting facts and damaging her reputation and that of her family.
"The lands being referred to were acquired by my late father, Abdelrahman Mansouri, in 1978 from private individuals, not from the state or public institutions," her statement read. "These properties fall under private ownership and have no relation to state land, collective land, or any form of public property.”
Mansouri clarified that the division of the land occurred only after her mother's death in 2003, conducted in full compliance with legal procedures. She stated that the family-appointed agent who handled the sale acted transparently and lawfully, ensuring all transactions were properly declared to tax authorities who collected the relevant dues.
The properties, she noted, are located in the rural commune of Tassoultante, outside the administrative boundaries of Marrakech, contradicting claims made in the online leaks.
Transparency Reasserted: A Record of Openness
Mansouri, a prominent member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), emphasized her continued commitment to transparency. She highlighted that she declared her financial assets, including the lands in question, to the Court of Auditors when first elected mayor in 2009.
"I continue to fulfill my legal obligations by regularly declaring my assets, and these records are accessible to the public under the right to information law," she stated.
While open to constructive criticism, Mansouri firmly rejected any attempts to question her integrity or that of her family. She urged journalists, civil society members, and the public to verify information carefully and uphold the values of truth and public service.
This response comes amid growing scrutiny of public figures in Morocco, particularly as social media increasingly influences public discourse and fuels controversy surrounding governance and transparency.