Morocco Charges Nightclub Manager for Selling Alcohol To Muslims

Morocco has long been a country with a significant secular community and the persistent threat from Islamic fundamentalists and Sharia law. A recent case shows how the courts impose ridiculous prosecutions in the name of Islamic values. A nightclub manager has been charged with serving alcohol to Muslims as if a bartender can tell the difference between a Muslim and non-Muslim.

The case began with a bar brawl between two bouncers and a drunken client at the “Podium” nightclub, a subsidiary of “Les Idrissides” Hotel. The client was a fugitive and all three required medical attention. However, after the incident, the police arrested the nightclub manager and the trial court of Marrakech prosecuted him for “selling alcohol to Muslims.” The court also prosecuted the two bouncers and the client. That is Islamic justice. Prosecute them all, including the manager for serving a man who turned out to be a Muslim.

It has been a crime since 1967 for bars to sell alcohol directly to Muslims in Morocco.