Moroccan Court Pronounces Terrorism Sentences in Ongoing Crackdown on Extremism

Thursday 28 December 2023 - 08:05

Rabat – Strengthening its persistent efforts to combat terrorism, the Criminal Chamber of Rabat, specializing in terrorism cases, issued verdicts this week against seven suspects accused of terrorism-related offenses.

In a carefully monitored legal process due to the sensitive nature of terrorism prosecutions, sentences ranging from one to five years behind bars were handed down. In the primary case, defendant A.B received a five-year prison term, while co-defendant N.A saw a slight reduction in the sentence from six to five years, accompanied by a 5000 dirham fine. Both were found guilty of forming a criminal gang with the intent of committing terrorist acts that could jeopardize public security, as well as promoting terrorist organizations.

A.A, the third defendant, was given a suspended one-year sentence for similar charges. In a separate case, the tribunal affirmed three-year sentences for suspects Y.N and A.C. However, a mitigated two-year suspended sentence was issued instead of the initial two years of imprisonment for another individual linked to this case.

Judges also confirmed suspended two-year prison terms for three other defendants prosecuted separately on charges of conspiring to carry out terrorist activities and praising terrorist groups. Notably, all six convicts had been released pending the verdict.

These stringent rulings underscore the Moroccan authorities' commitment to curtailing terror recruitment and activities through a zero-tolerance legal framework. The nation is steadfast in its efforts to safeguard stability amid persistent threats from regional jihadist movements. The judgments have been widely embraced as a reinforcement of the rule of law by many observers.