Morocco's Justice Minister, Abdul Latif Wahbi, has announced a series of reforms aimed at addressing issues with the country's detention for debt system. The reforms include the cancellation of 22,315 search warrants and the release of 3,991 detainees. These measures were taken after a review of files related to physical coercion associated with debts. The review was conducted in light of new provisions in the Code of Penal Procedure.
The reforms aim to bring the detention for debt system in line with new legal requirements. The new provisions limit the use of physical coercion, taking into account the value of debts and the age of those involved. Debts of less than 8,000 dirhams and individuals under 20 or over 60 years old are no longer subject to physical coercion. The minister stated that the previous application of the system had resulted in cases where individuals were detained or searched despite not meeting the required conditions.
One notable case highlighted by the minister involved a person who was detained over a debt of just 80 dirhams. Such cases, Wahbi argued, demonstrate the need to re-examine files and correct situations that no longer justify the continuation of detention. The reforms also extend to individuals serving prison sentences related to physical coercion. A review of their files led to the termination of coercion for 3,991 people.
In addition to these measures, a new electronic platform is being introduced to facilitate the processing of files related to physical coercion. The platform, developed in coordination with the General Directorate of National Security and the Royal Gendarmerie, will enable relevant authorities to access necessary information and settle the situations of those concerned. This aims to overcome difficulties faced by individuals who discover search warrants issued against them at short notice.
The previous system involved a judicial decision and its referral to the Public Prosecution for implementation, followed by the insertion of data into the central information system. This sometimes led to individuals discovering search warrants only when applying for administrative documents or preparing to travel. The new platform seeks to simplify procedures and reduce practical obstacles to the implementation of physical coercion.
According to the minister, the measures taken have resulted in the settlement of situations for around 26,000 people. This was achieved through the cancellation of search warrants that no longer met the conditions or the suspension of physical coercion for detainees concerned. The process is part of a broader review of existing files to adapt procedures to the new legal provisions governing this system.
The reforms reflect the government's efforts to address issues with the detention for debt system and ensure that it is implemented in a fair and proportionate manner. The introduction of the electronic platform and the revision of files related to physical coercion are key aspects of this process. The measures aim to prevent situations where individuals are detained or searched unnecessarily.
Key points
- The Moroccan government has introduced reforms to the detention for debt system, including the cancellation of 22,315 search warrants and the release of 3,991 detainees.
- A new electronic platform has been introduced to facilitate the processing of files related to physical coercion and settle the situations of those concerned.
- The reforms aim to bring the detention for debt system in line with new legal requirements and prevent unnecessary detention or searches.
