A video has captured an individual in the Badiya area of Tetouan attempting to fabricate a traffic accident, claiming he was struck by a taxi. On Wednesday, June 11th, it appeared that the taxi driver had hit the pedestrian at a crosswalk. However, footage from the camera showed the individual deliberately colliding with the taxi, then dramatically falling in front of a traffic officer.
Some witnesses attributed responsibility to the taxi driver, asserting he did not yield at the crosswalk. However, the video evidence indicated that the taxi driver was in a legally permissible position, as a green traffic signal allowed for movement.
Legal Consequences
Under Moroccan law, deliberately causing a collision and falsely claiming to have been struck constitutes several offenses. This behavior is often aimed at fraud or extortion for financial compensation, carrying significant legal and civil ramifications.
-
Fraud: If it is proven that the individual staged the accident to obtain financial or insurance compensation, it qualifies as fraud under Article 352 and subsequent articles of the Moroccan Penal Code. Fraud requires an intention to deceive using fraudulent means to obtain an unlawful benefit.
- Penalty: Imprisonment from one to five years, with a fine ranging from 250 to 2,000 dirhams, depending on the severity of the act and the amount claimed.
-
False Reporting: If the individual submits a false complaint to authorities (such as the police) claiming to have been struck, they commit the crime of false reporting under Article 360 of the Penal Code. This crime is punishable as it wastes authorities’ time and exposes others to unfounded accusations.
- Penalty: Imprisonment from 10 days to six months, with a fine from 20 to 200 dirhams, potentially increasing if the report causes significant harm.
-
Defamation: Should the false claim damage the taxi driver’s reputation, it may be considered defamation under Article 442 of the Penal Code. This applies if the false accusations were made publicly or to others.
- Penalty: Imprisonment from one month to one year, with a fine from 250 to 2,000 dirhams, based on the resulting damages.
-
Civil Liability: If the accident is proven to be staged, the taxi driver or insurance company may sue the individual civilly for damages (including legal costs) or non-material harm, such as damage to reputation. This is governed by civil law concerning obligations and contracts.
- Proving the Crime: To determine liability, authorities rely on evidence such as:
- Surveillance footage from streets or the taxi.
- Medical reports verifying the existence of real or non-existent injuries.
- Witness testimonies surrounding the incident. If evidence shows that the accident was staged, such as footage proving the individual moved deliberately towards the taxi, the individual would face prosecution, while the taxi driver would be exonerated.
For updates on news from Tangier 7, follow us on our social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, and X.
