Three Individuals Arrested in Settat and Imzouren for Alleged Dissemination and Distribution of False Information Likely to Disturb Public Order, Police

22 March 2020 Printable Version

Rabat - As part of ongoing monitoring meant to fight false digital content linked to the epidemic of the new coronavirus (Covid-19), police services of Settat and d'Imzouren arrested on Saturday three individuals suspected of involvement in the dissemination and distribution of false data through information systems likely to disturb public order and spread terror among citizens.

In a press release, the National Police (DGSN) said that the central control and computer monitoring unit to combat false information related to the new coronavirus had noted the posting of a video clip in the city of Imzouren by somebody claiming in a false and misleading manner the existence of several cases of contamination by the new coronavirus in the city, in addition to using an insulting and defamatory language against the police.

In the city of Settat, the services reported an audio clip whose authors claim that a person, whose photo has been posted, is contaminated by the new coronavirus, added the same press release, specifying that the judicial investigations and technical expertise helped identify and arrest the people involved in the preparation, publication and dissemination of such false content.

The suspects were remanded in police custody for the judicial investigation ordered by the competent public prosecutor's offices, concluded the press release.