The presidency of the public prosecutor's office has, moreover, sent, as soon as the state of health emergency was declared, circulars to the various prosecutor's offices, calling on them to show firmness and ensure the rigorous application of decree-law No. 2.20.292 on the provisions relating to the state of health emergency and the procedures for its declaration, stressed Balaoui in a statement to MAP channel M24.

 It has also sent circulars to the various public prosecutors to deal with the phenomenon of fake news, noted Balaoui.

In this regard, the official stated that the decree-law on the provisions relating to the state of health emergency and the procedures for its declaration aims, essentially, to protect citizens against the risks of the spread of epidemics, to mobilize all the resources necessary to guarantee their safety and to ensure the continuity of the public service.

In addition, he described the repressive provisions of the decree-law as "protective", since they protect society against the risks that may be posed by violators of the laws and decisions taken by the public authorities during the period of the state of health emergency.

Regarding the penalties provided for in this framework (1 to 3 months' imprisonment and a fine ranging from 300 to 1,300 dirhams), Balaoui explained that they target those who obstruct the public forces responsible for implementing the state of emergency and those who incite citizens to take to the streets and gather.

To this end, he stressed the possibility of resorting to harsher and more deterrent penalties for acts stipulated in the criminal Code, such as attacking or resisting public forces while walking on the street without authorization or permission from the public authorities, which are punishable by a sentence of between six months and two years' imprisonment.

 He also urged citizens to avoid conveying false information and misleading videos so as not to cause confusion.