Tangier mayor Mounir Limouri denies fleeing to Spain, vows to face justice

This update focuses on Tangier mayor Limouri. Tangier mayor Mounir Limouri has denied leaving Morocco to evade justice and says he will return soon to answer questions in an investigation into alleged electoral irregularities.

Tangier mayor Limouri at the centre of a political storm

The electoral file in the Tangier-Assilah constituency has escalated after ballot papers were seized and a formal probe launched into possible fraud in the city’s parliamentary elections.

Mounir Limouri, president of Tangier’s communal council and provincial leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), now finds himself at the heart of the case. A search notice has been issued against him as part of the investigation led by the public prosecutor at the Tangier Court of Appeal.

The move has sent shockwaves through local political circles and within his party structures.

A trip to Spain described as a business journey

As rumours spread that Limouri had “fled” to Spain to avoid appearing in court, the Tangier mayor spoke out to reject the allegations.

He says his travel is strictly linked to his economic and business activities. According to his account, he went to Spain to meet several commercial partners and clients connected to his private work.

Limouri underlines that he left Moroccan territory under ordinary conditions and insists that, at the time of departure, he was not subject to any judicial summons or restriction.

He has pledged to return to Tangier in the coming days, appear before the judiciary and respond to all questions in the case.

Election probe in Tangier-Assilah: what we know so far

The ongoing investigation targets suspected irregularities during the parliamentary vote in the Tangier-Assilah constituency.

Judicial inquiries are focusing in particular on a polling station set up at Al Qods school in the popular Casabarata neighbourhood, where ballot papers were seized as investigators try to reconstruct how the voting process unfolded.

According to information released by the King’s public prosecutor at the Tangier Court of Appeal, five people have been placed in custody. The goal is to determine responsibility for the alleged manipulation of the electoral process.

Tangier mayor Limouri and other political figures mentioned in the case remain under close scrutiny, pending further judicial decisions.

What this means for Moroccans abroad and travel plans

For residents of Tangier and Moroccans living abroad with ties to the city, the case mainly raises questions about the credibility of local elections and how institutions are managed.

For now, there is no official indication of any travel restrictions to or from Tangier, nor of disruption to flights, ferries or road traffic linked to the investigation.

Trips, returns to Morocco and bookings by Moroccans abroad therefore continue as normal. As usual, travellers are advised to:

• check practical information directly with transport operators such as Royal Air Maroc (official website);
• follow official announcements in case the situation changes;
• respect local guidance from the authorities during stays in Tangier and the wider region.

For those considering a long-term return or an investment in Tangier, this judicial episode is a reminder to follow local institutional life and political developments closely. At this stage, however, it does not affect routine administrative procedures or the ability to plan travel or projects in the Strait city.

The next stages of the investigation, together with Limouri’s announced return to face justice, should clarify responsibilities and the broader impact on Tangier’s political landscape.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.