Azrou prison rejects claims of inmate meal theft and food extortion

Sunday 19 July 2026 - 11:45

By: Sahili Aya

Azrou prison rejects claims of inmate meal theft and food extortion

The administration of Azrou Local Prison has firmly denied allegations that inmates assigned to food distribution were diverting meals intended for other prisoners or demanding cigarettes in exchange for access to food.

In an official statement, the correctional facility, which operates under Morocco's General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), described the accusations as unfounded and disputed reports circulated by an online media outlet.

Prison administration disputes food distribution allegations

According to prison officials, the inmates mentioned in the published claims are not involved in meal preparation. Their responsibilities are limited to reheating food within designated detention units before meals are distributed.

The administration stressed that no prisoner has been deprived of food rations and that no cases of coercion or extortion linked to inmates performing reheating duties have been identified.

Officials added that prisoners assigned to these responsibilities are selected under strict eligibility criteria and operate within clearly defined procedures designed to ensure proper oversight.

Roles limited to reheating meals

The prison emphasized that food preparation remains separate from the tasks performed inside detention areas. Inmates entrusted with reheating meals have no authority over food allocation or portion distribution, the statement said.

By clarifying the operational process, prison authorities sought to counter suggestions that these individuals could influence access to meals or manipulate food supplies for personal gain.

Internal inquiry points to dissatisfied inmate

Following an internal review, the prison administration said the allegations originated from an inmate dissatisfied with the rejection of a personal request.

According to officials, the prisoner had sought permission to prepare his own meals inside the facility's reheating room. The request was denied because the area is designated exclusively for warming pre-prepared food and cannot legally be used as a cooking space.

The administration believes the subsequent allegations were intended to disrupt the normal functioning of the institution after that request was refused.

Commitment to operational transparency

The DGAPR-affiliated facility reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing prison regulations and maintaining equal treatment for all inmates. Officials stated that food distribution procedures remain subject to established administrative controls aimed at ensuring fairness, security and compliance with institutional rules.

The statement concludes by rejecting the reported allegations in their entirety, maintaining that the prison's internal findings revealed no evidence supporting claims of meal diversion or cigarette-related extortion.