Hicham Jerando: Between Canadian Nationality and Manipulation of Moroccans

Recently, many questions have been raised around the controversial figure of Hicham Jerando, a man whose actions provoke both confusion and outrage. After leaving Morocco for Canada, he seems to enjoy a comfort he has not hesitated to flaunt, while continuing to speak out on matters related to his country of origin. His speeches, often contradictory, raise doubts about the true reasons behind his constant engagement with Moroccans, while he boasts of his new Canadian status.

Hicham Jerando, who proudly displays his Canadian passport, constantly points out what he considers flaws in Moroccan society. He has often criticized Moroccan nationality, calling it a source of embarrassment for his fellow citizens. This was especially evident when he claimed that all Moroccans dreamed of becoming Canadians, which only fueled a narrative of devaluation towards the nation that raised him.

The paradox in Jerando’s speech lies in the fact that he continues to present himself as a representative of the Moroccan community while congratulating himself on his acquired nationality. Why this dedication to a people he seems to denigrate at every turn? His tendency to present himself as a spokesperson for Moroccans while mocking their pursuit of a better life abroad raises questions about his true intentions.
Jerando did not only choose to flee his country of origin to escape criminal charges, but he also engaged in a dangerous game, that of manipulating the emotions and hopes of young Moroccans who, like him, aspire to a better life. By flattering their dreams of immigration, he is merely exploiting their vulnerabilities to strengthen his public image and manipulate public opinion.

It is also hard not to notice that the way Jerando speaks of Canada, with arrogant pride, contrasts sharply with his own origin. The Canadian passport, which he flaunts as a trophy, is ultimately just a travel document, which does not shield him from justice. However, this does not stop him from making his followers believe that he is protected by his new citizenship, which is far from the truth.

Such behavior serves as a reminder of how far some individuals are willing to go to use legal tools, like passports, to escape their responsibilities. By hiding behind his new Canadian status, Jerando seems to forget that his escape from Morocco has not absolved him of his crimes. Justice, whether Moroccan or Canadian, must rise above these false discourses and act accordingly.

This situation raises a crucial question: why are individuals like Jerando able to manipulate public opinion with such ease? Social media, where he has become an influential figure, provides him with a platform to continue spreading messages that denigrate his country of origin while boasting of his new position in Canada. This presents a challenge for both Moroccan and Canadian authorities, who must collaborate to prevent such manipulations from damaging the relationship between the two countries.