Rabat- State Minister in Charge of Human Rights Mustapha Ramid announced that he will boycott the debate on Al Hoceima protests scheduled on Friday. Ilyas El Omari, the president of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, called for this debate.
Ramid reaction came as a response to Omari criticism of the current government and of the former and current prime minister as well as for him holding everyone responsible for protests that spurred in the region.
He stated that the media appearance of Omari was not successful – two days before the debate – where he called on all parties to be part of the debate.
Ramid saw that Omari decided to end the discussion before he commences with his debate and he is also accusing the government and institutions in a desperate attempt to rehabilitate himself and his party.
Omari, during a televised interview, held Abdelilah Benkirane, former prime minister and his first rival, responsible for the troubled condition of the country – “Benkirane spoke much and left behind him a disaster that was inherited by Saad Eddine El Othmani who didn’t know how to deal with it,” Ramid added.
Observers saw that Omari acted in advance of the debate through launching anti-government statements in a quest to garner approval over his initiative, knowing that the role of his party has sharply shrank following elections of October 7.
Amina Maelainine from the Justice and Development Party (PJD), lauded Ramid stance and his boycott of the debate, considering that the attendance of leaders and minsters from the party is a betrayal of the party.