Morocco Modernizes Criminal Law: Balancing Rights and Safety

The Moroccan Government Council has taken a significant step towards modernizing the nation's legal system by approving amendments to the Criminal Procedure Law. This move, part of a broader judicial reform initiative, aims to strike a delicate balance between societal protection and individual rights.

On August 29, the Council gave the green light to Bill No. 03.23, which updates Law No. 22.01 concerning criminal procedure. Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi presented the bill, incorporating feedback from an extensive review process. This legislation marks a crucial update to a law that has remained largely unchanged for over two decades.

Mustapha Baitas, Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and government spokesperson, highlighted the bill's importance during a press briefing. He emphasized that this legislative effort aligns with Morocco's ongoing commitment to comprehensive judicial reform, a priority frequently underscored by King Mohammed VI.

The revised Criminal Procedure Code reflects Morocco's progress in human rights since the adoption of the 2011 Constitution. It builds upon previously approved rights and freedoms, reinforcing mechanisms to protect and ensure their practice.

Key innovations in the bill include:

1. Enhanced guarantees for fair trials
2. Treatment of detention as a last resort
3. Clarified provisional detention procedures
4. Strengthened defense rights
5. Modernized criminal justice mechanisms
6. Improved victim protection

The legislation also introduces new regulations that integrate criminal policy into state public policies. These measures aim to improve the protection of minors, streamline appeal procedures, and bolster the independence of the public prosecutor's office.

Significant changes to sentence execution are also part of the bill. It expands the responsibilities of judges overseeing sentence enforcement and implements a motivational system for inmates, allowing for sentence reductions as a reward for maintaining discipline.

This comprehensive update to Morocco's Criminal Procedure Code, covering over 420 articles, represents a significant step forward in the nation's legal landscape. By balancing societal safety with individual rights, Morocco aims to create a more just and modern legal system that reflects its commitment to human rights and the rule of law.