4 days ago
Investigation into Mehdi Ben Barka's disappearance continues in Paris with renewed efforts
In Paris, the investigation into the disappearance of Mehdi Ben Barka, abducted in 1965 outside the Lipp brasserie, is still ongoing. His son, Bachir Ben Barka, was recently interviewed as a civil party. The hearing lasted two hours.
He insists that «the investigation is not at a standstill» and praised the dedication of the current investigating judge. «In just one year, she has immersed herself in the case and is determined to move the investigation forward», he told AFP.
Opened in 1975, it is the oldest ongoing judicial investigation in France. Mehdi Ben Barka, a leading figure in the anti-colonial movement and a vocal opponent of King Hassan II, was never found. He had been sentenced to death in absentia by Moroccan authorities.
A 1967 trial revealed the involvement of Moroccan intelligence, assisted by French police officers and underworld criminals. But for Bachir Ben Barka, the circle of responsibility is wider. «It's now established that Israeli intelligence was involved in the disappearance, and that both French and American services had prior knowledge», he stated, firmly convinced that his father was the victim of a coordinated conspiracy.
He condemned the inaction of both French and Moroccan authorities. «I think they're just waiting for all the witnesses to die», he said bitterly, also denouncing the «masquerade» of the French state after its much-publicized declassification of documents already present in the case file.
Of the five arrest warrants issued in 2007, only two remain active. The other three suspects have since died, including General Hosni Benslimane and Miloud Tounsi, also known as Larbi Chtouki.
According to the family's lawyer, Marie Dosé, time might still play in favor of uncovering the truth. «Some witnesses may finally dare to speak. Some documents might yet be declassified», she said, though with cautious pessimism.
