Clinton Foundation event in Morocco bankrolled by controversial mining firm



Former President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation’s Global Initiative are being hosted this week at a five-star luxury hotel in Morocco by one of the world’s most controversial mining companies, criticized for “serious human rights violations” by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice.

The Moroccan government-owned mining company OCP operates in disputed international territory in a remote part of the Saharan Desert and the firm has been criticized for removing the resources without adequately compensating the impoverished people who live there.
Clinton Foundation event in Morocco bankrolled by controversial mining firm
Clinton Foundation event in Morocco bankrolled by controversial mining firm

This story is the first in a series of joint Money Trail investigations by ABC News and Yahoo News that will appear during the 2016 Presidential campaign cycle.

Former President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation’s Global Initiative are being hosted this week at a five-star luxury hotel in Morocco by one of the world’s most controversial mining companies, criticized for “serious human rights violations” by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice.

The Moroccan government-owned mining company OCP operates in disputed international territory in a remote part of the Saharan Desert and the firm has been criticized for removing the resources without adequately compensating the impoverished people who live there.

“Any time the human rights of a population are systematically suppressed in this type of way it’s a serious concern, and I think it’s worthy of attention,” said David McKean, who has studied the issue for the RFK center.

OCP is paying $1 million to help host the prestigious event and throw a private cocktail reception, to the dismay of human rights activists.
Clinton Foundation event in Morocco bankrolled by controversial mining firm
Clinton Foundation event in Morocco bankrolled by controversial mining firm

This story is the first in a series of joint Money Trail investigations by ABC News and Yahoo News that will appear during the 2016 Presidential campaign cycle.

Former President Bill Clinton and the Clinton Foundation’s Global Initiative are being hosted this week at a five-star luxury hotel in Morocco by one of the world’s most controversial mining companies, criticized for “serious human rights violations” by the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice.

The Moroccan government-owned mining company OCP operates in disputed international territory in a remote part of the Saharan Desert and the firm has been criticized for removing the resources without adequately compensating the impoverished people who live there.

“Any time the human rights of a population are systematically suppressed in this type of way it’s a serious concern, and I think it’s worthy of attention,” said David McKean, who has studied the issue for the RFK center.

OCP is paying $1 million to help host the prestigious event and throw a private cocktail reception, to the dismay of human rights activists.

Related: Bill Clinton says “Clinton Cash” “won’t fly”

When thanking Morocco for its hospitality, the former American President heralded the country’s potential, proclaiming that it is “the Saudi Arabia of Phosphate.”

The reported $1 million donation is the latest to raise questions about the Clinton Foundation’s heavy reliance on foreign and corporate donors at a time when Hillary Clinton has launched a bid for President.
In his opening remarks, the former President dismissed the controversy over foreign donations, shrugging, “I just work here.”

Until just a few weeks ago, Hillary Clinton was listed on the foundation website as a “host” of the Moroccan event and critics see this week’s meeting as another vehicle for well-heeled foreign interests to gain access and curry favor in Washington.

OCP officials told ABC News their motives in sponsoring the event had nothing to do with any interest in access to a presidential candidate or her famous husband.


yea, right.