King Mohammed VI receives three newly-appointed members of the Supreme Council of Judicial Power

King Mohammed VI,President of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power (CSPJ),received three new members of the Council at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Monday.

These are Hicham Balaoui,appointed by the Sovereign as Prosecutor General of the King at the Court of Cassation and head of the Public Prosecution Office; Hassan Tariq,appointed member of the CSPJ in his capacity as Ombudsman of the Kingdom; and Farid El Bacha,appointed by the King as member of the CSPJ.

Hicham Balaoui replaces El Hassan Daki who was unable to continue his missions due to health reasons.

Daki fulfilled the duties entrusted to him with probity,dedication,integrity and impartiality,in the service of the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law,with the aim of ensuring respect for rights and freedoms of individuals and communities,the Royal office said in a statement.

The newly appointed members of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power were sworn in before the King.

This audience was attended by Mohamed Abdennabaoui,the President delegate of the Supreme Council of the Judicial Power.

The Supreme Council of the Judicial Power,presided over by the King,ensures the application of guarantees granted to judges,particularly concerning their independence,appointment,promotion,retirement and disciplinary matters.

On its own initiative,it prepares reports on the state of justice and the judicial system and makes appropriate recommendations in this area. At the request of the King,the Government or Parliament,the council issues detailed reviews on any matter relating to justice,subject to the principle of separation of powers.

In accordance with Article 115 of the Constitution,the CSPJ comprises the First President of the Court of Cassation as President Delegate,the King’s Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation,the President of the First Chamber of the Court of Cassation,four representatives elected among the judges of the Courts of Appeal,and six representatives elected among the judges of first-degree jurisdictions.

It also includes the Ombudsman,the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council,as well as five personalities appointed by the King,recognized for their competence,impartiality,and probity,and for their distinguished contribution to the independence of the judiciary and the rule of law.