Maghreb Edition

Morocco: French national seeks UN help to fight extradition to US from MoroccoF

Posted On 29 December 2022

Number of times this article was read : 947

The lawyer of a Frenchman held in Morocco and fighting extradition to the United States for alleged hacking told AFP Wednesday he was appealing to a UN body to intervene. Philippe Ohayon, who represents 21-year-old Sebastien Raoult, said a prison guard had shown his client papers suggesting his extradition was imminent.

Ohayon said he had contacted the UN Committee against Torture asking them to oppose any transfer, because the body had blocked several extraditions approved by Morocco in recent years. “The Committee considers that Moroccan law does not allow sufficient control against the risk of inhuman and degrading treatment,” Ohayon said. The prison guard had notified and translated the extradition decree for his client, said the lawyer.

The authorities in France, Morocco and the United States would not confirm this information to AFP, but in August  Morocco’s supreme court gave preliminary approval to Raoult’s extradition. The final decision on his fate lies with  Morocco’s prime minister.

Raoult was arrested on May 31 in Tangier, in the north of the country, on the basis of a red notice, an arrest warrant issued by Interpol at Washington’s request. He was on the point of boarding a plane to France. The US authorities say Raoult is part of the ShinyHunters group of “cybercriminals”, suspected of having carried out cyberattacks against major companies including Microsoft. Raoult denies the accusation.

Ohayon said his client could face the rest of his life in a US jail if convicted there and on that basis the UN Committee against Torture should intervene. Despite the “116 years” that Raoult could face in a US jail, Rabat had not asked for any guarantees, he added. In his filing, Ohayon also requested that the authorities in Morocco suspend the extradition until the UN committee could declare its position.

AFP

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Morocco Faces Balancing Test Over Potential Gaza Security Role$

A reported plan for a Moroccan military outpost in Gaza is raising questions about Rabat’s regional strategy. While participation in a multinational stabilization force could be framed as humanitarian and security support, a visible troop presence inside an Israeli-controlled area risks political backlash at home and abroad. The proposal highlights the tension between Morocco’s ties to Israel and its longstanding positioning as a supporter of Palestinian interests.

Sudan’s Army Gains Ground in Kordofan as War Strains Power and Food Systems$

Sudan’s army is gaining ground in North Kordofan, securing key transport routes that could support a broader push west toward Darfur. But battlefield advances are unfolding alongside a deepening national crisis, with power grid failures, disrupted agriculture and local conflicts compounding the country’s instability. But this latest military momentum is unlikely to resolve Sudan’s widening humanitarian and infrastructure challenges.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.