Morocco's prison population has reached a record high, with 102,944 inmates as of October 2026, according to Mohamed Saleh Tamek, the General Delegate for Prison Administration and Rehabilitation. This represents a significant increase from 98,690 inmates during the same period in 2025, with an annual growth rate of up to 5%. Tamek warned that the continuous rise in prisoner numbers poses a major challenge to the prison administration.
The surge in prisoner numbers has resulted in severe overcrowding in Moroccan prisons, with a occupancy rate of 158% as of 2026. Some prisons have occupancy rates exceeding 300%, reflecting the significant pressure on prison infrastructure. Tamek noted that this overcrowding undermines efforts to improve detention conditions and provide adequate services to inmates.
In comparison to other countries, Morocco's incarceration rate stands at 280 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants, higher than Algeria's 217 and Tunisia's 267. In contrast, European countries such as Spain, France, and Belgium have lower incarceration rates, ranging from 113 to 129 prisoners per 100,000 inhabitants. Tamek emphasized that addressing overcrowding requires a comprehensive approach.
To address the issue, recent legislative reforms have aimed to rationalize the use of custodial sentences and develop alternative measures. The automatic sentence reduction mechanism has been implemented, resulting in 152,487 cases and the release of 12,544 inmates as of October 2026. However, Tamek acknowledged that these efforts are insufficient to achieve a sustainable reduction in prisoner numbers.
Tamek stressed that addressing the root causes of overcrowding requires a collaborative approach across the justice system, involving not only prison authorities but also other stakeholders. He emphasized the need to develop the legislative framework and judicial practice to promote the rational use of detention, while respecting judicial independence and guarantees.
The General Delegate highlighted the importance of exploring legal avenues to consider prison capacity when making detention decisions. He also underscored the need for a comprehensive strategy to reduce the prison population, including measures to prevent crime and promote alternative sentencing.
Ultimately, Tamek called for a sustained effort to address the complex issues surrounding Morocco's prison system, prioritizing the improvement of detention conditions and the rehabilitation of inmates. The government and justice system must work together to find effective solutions to the challenges facing the country's prisons.
Key points
- Morocco's prison population has reached a record high of 102,944 inmates.
- Overcrowding in prisons remains a significant challenge, with an occupancy rate of 158%.
- Addressing the issue requires a comprehensive approach, including legislative reforms, alternative sentencing, and collaboration across the justice system.
