The Superior Court of Canada, sitting in Montreal, sentenced Zakaria Moumni on July 27, 2023 for defamation.
According to this verdict, Z. Moumni is forced to pay the sum of 30,000 Canadian dollars to Mr. Rachid Najahi, general manager of the Atlas Media Group, in order to compensate for the harm caused by false statements made publicly.
The case originated in the incidents that occurred during the 7th edition of the Moroccan Festival in Montreal on July 29, 2022. This event was jointly organized by Mr. Najahi and the Atlas Media Group. Zakaria Moumni had disrupted this celebration by making defamatory remarks towards the Moroccan participants and the other people present.
Among the allegations put forward by Z. Moumni, there was in particular the accusation that Mr. Rachid Najahi was a “paid agent” of the Moroccan government. Moreover, he had claimed that the Moroccan Festival served as a government-funded propaganda tool, although the Court proved that the event was financially independent and had never benefited from institutional or state subsidies.
The decision rendered by the Superior Court of Canada stipulates that Zakaria Moumni is required to pay Mr. Rachid Najahi $20,000 to repair the damage caused to his reputation, as well as $10,000 in punitive damages.
The judgment underscores the importance of truthfulness and accountability in disseminating information to the public.
Rachid Najahi commented on this decision saying: “This decision aims to protect the rights and reputation of individuals.
Zakaria Moumni was also accused of physically assaulting three participants in the Fête Marocaine.
