Taxi drivers jailed in Morocco over Ceuta border crossing
Fines of $1,070 and a prison sentence of up to 6 months have been given to seven taxi drivers in Morocco for driving migrants to the Spanish border in Ceuta, reports AP on August 7th.
Tried in Tetouan, a city located in the north of Morocco, the taxi drivers were found guilty of “transporting passengers without a license,” and “facilitating the illegal exit of Moroccans and foreigners through unauthorized border points” according to the judge’s ruling. The drivers drove clients to Fnideq, a town near the Moroccan border.
It was reported that more than 70,000 people crossed the border from Morocco to the Spanish North African territory of Ceuta, 100 people died in the crossing. As of August 6th, between 3,000 to 5,000 migrants remain in Ceuta, according to the BBC.
The nationwide lawyers’ strike that is currently ongoing in Morocco meant the drivers all appeared in court without defence representation on August 3rd. The drivers all retain their right to appeal.
In July 2026, The Association of Moroccan Bar decided to suspend judicial work in protest against a new law in Morocco. Recently passed by Parliament, Bill No.66.23 would regulate the law profession, sparking outrage amongst the judicial system according to HESPRESS English. Currently the bill has been referred to the Moroccan Constitutional Court for a review before it can become law. The lawyers strike continues.
The taxi driver criminal case marks the first ruling Moroccan judges have made on charges and cases associated with the mass migration crossing in Ceuta.
In a statement made on August 7th, the Moroccan Association of Human Rights said that there are currently “111 people in pretrial detention” for the recent mass migration crossing in Ceuta. Amongst the charges of those incarcerated are mass rebellion, obstruction of traffic and the assault of public officials.
No reply was given to AP’s request for comment by the Moroccan Justice Ministry.
AP, HESPRESS English, Maghrebi.org, BBC
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