Latest news with #AbdessamadHaiker
Ya Biladi
6 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Palestinian refugee and Gaza doctor stories rejected from Arabic exam in Morocco
The Regional Directorate of the Ministry of National Education in Al Fida–Mers Sultan district in Casablanca has rejected two texts intended for the sixth-grade Arabic language exam scheduled for June 2025. Both texts addressed the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. The first text tells the story of a Palestinian refugee dreaming of returning to his homeland, while the second recounts the experience of a Palestinian doctor who, against all odds, continued to provide medical aid to his besieged people in Gaza. The directorate justified its decision by stating that the proposed texts «touched on politically sensitive national issues» and requested that the Arabic language exam topic be «replaced with something more appropriate». This decision sparked a wave of controversy on social media and drew attention in parliament. Abdessamad Haiker, a MP from the Justice and Development Party (PJD), submitted a written question to the Minister of National Education, Primary Education, and Sports. He emphasized that «the resilience of the Palestinian people in facing occupation and their right to return to their homeland are legitimate rights guaranteed by international law and various relevant international resolutions. These rights have never been a matter of debate or disagreement among Moroccans of different backgrounds». Haiker added, «Moroccans have historically been at the forefront of supporting the Palestinian people and defending their historic and legitimate rights, including the right to return to Palestine. This issue has always been deeply rooted in the Moroccan conscience and has never been a source of sensitivity». He described the directorate's actions as a blatant provocation to the feelings of Moroccans and a direct affront to their national values—chief among them the Palestinian cause, which «His Majesty the King equates with the territorial integrity of the kingdom». Haiker called on the Minister of National Education and Primary Education to clarify the details of this decision and outline the measures his ministry will take to address this offensive incident and prevent its recurrence. Meanwhile, the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Against Normalization issued a statement condemning the move, declaring that «the censored text, prepared in full compliance with the exam procedures manual and the framework for the primary education certificate exam, was unlawfully rejected». The Front strongly denounced «the actions of the Al Fida-Mers Sultan Regional Directorate», calling them «an act of educational normalization, the most dangerous form of normalization with the Zionist entity». The Front affirmed that this incident is «not isolated but part of the Moroccan regime's ongoing comprehensive normalization with the criminal Zionist entity». They demanded «a fair and independent investigation into the matter and that those responsible for this blatant betrayal be held accountable».
Morocco World
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Casablanca Authorities Crack Down on Unauthorized Churches
Marrakech – Local authorities in Casablanca have taken action against the spread of unauthorized churches operating illegally in apartments and commercial spaces, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced on Thursday. The minister's statement came in response to a written parliamentary question from Justice and Development Party (PJD) representative Abdessamad Haiker, who raised concerns about the proliferation of these informal worship spaces. 'Local authorities in Casablanca have implemented several measures, recognizing the need to balance protection of religious freedom with the risks that unlicensed places of worship pose to public order,' Laftit stated in his official response. Joint inspection committees have visited locations being used illegally in several neighborhoods, including Oulfa, Hay Hassani, Sidi Maarouf, and Sidi El Khadir. These teams have instructed occupants to comply with applicable legal requirements. Tenants were informed that these spaces 'are not intended for religious activities,' the minister said, noting that property owners were also contacted and asked to ensure their tenants adhere to rental contract terms. These communications with property owners have already resulted in the regularization of several locations previously used for such activities, according to the Interior Ministry. Additionally, authorities launched an awareness campaign targeting foreign Christian residents, warning them about the risks of practicing religious rituals in unsuitable spaces. The issue was thrust into the spotlight following reports on social media about underground spaces allegedly being used as unauthorized 'churches,' particularly in working-class neighborhoods. These reports created concern among local residents. In his parliamentary question, Haiker expressed worry about the lack of clear information regarding these spaces. He questioned their legality and whether those operating them had obtained necessary permits. Such phenomena could 'spread anxiety and a lack of spiritual security among citizens,' the PJD representative warned, calling on the relevant ministries to disclose planned measures to address these issues and ensure compliance with laws governing religious practices in Morocco. The phenomenon of unlicensed churches has become widespread in the Hay Hassani area, according to converging reports. Local sources indicate that property owners have been renting their premises to individuals from sub-Saharan African countries, who convert them into primary locations for religious practices without proper authorization. The ministry confirmed that additional inspections will be conducted in the coming weeks, while continuing dialogue and awareness efforts with the affected communities. Some reports suggest that several of these 'informal churches' are located in basements or discreet premises, sometimes set up in precarious conditions. Read also: Moroccan Christians 'Hope for a Future Civil Code That Includes All Moroccans' Tags: Casablancachurches in morocco
Ya Biladi
05-04-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
PJD raises concerns over proliferation of «underground» churches in Casablanca
The PJD parliamentary group has contacted the Ministers of the Interior and Islamic Affairs regarding the «proliferation of informal churches», also known as «underground» churches, in Casablanca. Abdessamad Haiker, a parliamentarian and former first vice president of the city council of Morocco's economic capital, raised concerns in two written questions addressed to Abdelouafi Laftite and Ahmed Taoufiq about the risks posed by these unauthorized Christian places of worship, arguing that they «create a sense of spiritual insecurity among citizens». The Islamist parliamentarian emphasized that «public opinion in Casablanca is disturbed by the widespread use of underground spaces and other areas to host 'churches,' especially in certain popular neighborhoods». He requested to know the identity «of the parties behind these informal churches and whether they have obtained the necessary permits to open these places». Haiker urged the Ministers of the Interior and Islamic Affairs «to disclose the measures they plan to take to address these phenomena, which deprive citizens of a sense of spiritual security». King Mohammed VI stated in November 2016, during a visit to Madagascar, that he is «the Commander of the Faithful, of believers of all religions». This message was reiterated in March 2019 in Rabat, during a speech delivered in front of Pope Francis.
