Settat: Judicial Investigation Opened into Audio Recording Threatening September 23 Elections

The Public Prosecutor's Office at the Settat Court of Appeal announced the opening of a judicial investigation into an audio recording circulating on social media, containing statements liable to undermine the image and integrity of the electoral process, just three days before the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026.

What Did the Prosecutor's Office Reveal?

In a statement, the Public Prosecutor's Office explained that the decision to open the investigation follows the widespread circulation of the recording on social media in Settat. The investigation launched by the relevant authorities pursues four main objectives: verifying the authenticity of the audio recording, determining the circumstances of its creation, leak, and publication, identifying any potential legal violations arising from it, and uncovering its source and chain of distribution.

The Prosecutor's Office did not disclose the detailed content of the audio recording, merely indicating that it contains statements liable to harm the image and transparency of the electoral process.

A Sensitive Electoral Context

This investigation comes amid tense electoral conditions in several regions of the Kingdom, after Mohamed Ouzzine was previously accused of spying on the phones of Popular Movement party leaders ahead of the elections, at a time when authorities are keen to strictly regulate electoral advertising rules to avoid any violations that could affect the course of the campaign.

The city of Settat, capital of the Casablanca-Settat region, holds particular electoral significance given its population density and the competition among several major parties for its seats in the House of Representatives, making any suspicion of manipulation or interference with public opinion there a matter of close scrutiny.

Why Does This Case Matter to the Moroccan Voter?

This case carries particular significance as it directly touches on the principle of electoral integrity and transparency, two essential pillars that authorities rely on to guarantee the credibility of the upcoming legislative elections. By opening this investigation, the Public Prosecutor's Office is sending a clear message of zero tolerance toward any content that could be used to influence voters' will or undermine trust in the electoral process, with the case referred to the relevant security services for further investigation.

Under the criminal procedure applicable to such cases, the results of security investigations are typically forwarded to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which then decides either to refer the case to an investigating judge if criminal violations are confirmed, or to close it if there is insufficient evidence of a legal violation. Public opinion in Settat, as in other Moroccan cities, is expected to closely follow developments in this case until election day.