Morocco denies links to suspected spy detained in Germany

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Moroccan authorities on Friday denied any involvement with a national detained in Germany on allegations of spying on supporters of Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi, a protest movement originating in Morocco’s Rif region.

The suspect, identified as Youssef El A., was arrested at Frankfurt Airport on Wednesday and is accused of working for Moroccan intelligence.

However, a Moroccan security source speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity refuted the claims, describing Youssef as “a radical activist” with “a hostile stance against the kingdom.” The source emphasized that Youssef “has no ties to Moroccan intelligence services and has never collected information for them.”

German prosecutors allege that Youssef acted alongside Mohamed A., another Moroccan who was convicted in 2023 for espionage. Mohamed reportedly received airline tickets in exchange for information on Hirak supporters in Europe.

Youssef was detained in Spain on December 1, 2024, under a European arrest warrant and extradited to Germany, where a judge remanded him in custody on Thursday.

The Hirak movement emerged in the Rif region in 2016 after widespread outrage over the death of a fishmonger crushed by a garbage truck while trying to retrieve confiscated swordfish.

The incident led to protests demanding development projects for the historically marginalized region, resulting in dozens of arrests.

The case has rekindled tensions, with Moroccan officials rejecting any allegations of espionage involvement while highlighting Youssef’s alleged ties to separatist activism.

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