Morocco to probe Salafist over polygamy row
The head of the opposition Socialist Union of Popular Forces, Driss Lachgar, called for the polygamy ban several days ago
Prosecutors in Morocco said Sunday they will open an investigation into a Salafist sheikh who accused a politician of “apostasy” for calling for a ban on polygamy in the country, Agence France-Presse reported.
The head of the opposition Socialist Union of Popular Forces, Driss Lachgar, called for the ban several days ago, urging a debate on women’s inheritance upon the death of a relative.
In response, the Salafist sheikh Abdelhamid Abounaim accused Lachgar of “apostasy” in a distributed video.
A Casablanca prosecutor said an investigation would be opened into the sheikh.
“After the statements of Abdelhamid Abounaim that undermine organized bodies, an investigation will be opened,” the prosecutor said in a statement.
King Mohamed VI reformed Morocco’s family code in 2004, making polygamy more difficult.
A man must now seek the consent of other spouses and the permission of a court before he takes another wife. However, polygamy has not been banned in the country.
