King Mohammed VI appoints three new members to Morocco's Supreme Judicial Council

King Mohammed VI, President of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary (CSPJ), welcomed three new members to the constitutional body on Monday at the Royal Palace in Rabat.

The following appointments were announced:

- Hicham Balaoui, appointed Attorney General at the Court of Cassation, President of the Public Prosecution, and member of the CSPJ;

- Hassan Tariq, appointed the Kingdom’s Ombudsman and member of the Council;

- Farid El Bacha, appointed by the King as a qualified member, also joining the Council.

On the occasion of their appointment, the three new members took an oath before the Sovereign. The ceremony was held in the presence of Mohamed Abdennabaoui, Deputy President of the Supreme Council of the Judiciary.

Presided over by the King, the CSPJ safeguards the independence of the judiciary and oversees matters related to judicial appointments, promotions, retirements, and disciplinary actions. It also issues reports on the state of justice in Morocco and may provide opinions on related matters at the request of the King, the Government, or Parliament, in accordance with the principle of separation of powers.

Under Article 115 of the Constitution, the Council comprises:

- The First President of the Court of Cassation, as Deputy President;

- The Attorney General at the Court of Cassation;

- The President of the First Chamber of the Court of Cassation;

- Four judges elected by their peers from the Courts of Appeal;

- Six judges elected by their peers from the courts of first instance;

- The Kingdom’s Ombudsman;

- The President of the National Human Rights Council;

- Five individuals appointed by the King for their recognized competence, impartiality, and commitment to the independence of justice.