Latest news with #AbdellatifOuahbi
Ya Biladi
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco House of Councillors approves bill amending criminal procedure code
The House of Councillors passed Bill 03.23 by a majority vote on Tuesday in Rabat during a legislative session. The bill amends and supplements Law 22.01 related to criminal procedure. The measure was approved by 24 councillors, with 4 voting against and 2 abstaining. Presenting the bill, Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi emphasized its significance within Morocco's legal framework, describing it as a key pillar of the country's criminal justice system. He explained that the bill seeks to strike a balance between ensuring the prosecution of criminal offenses and guaranteeing the right to a fair trial, including the presumption of innocence. Ouahbi added that the legislation was the result of a participatory process, developed through broad discussions and consultations with various stakeholders, including constitutional bodies such as the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE). He concluded by stating that the reform marks an important step toward modernizing the national legal system and responding to public expectations and demands for justice.
Morocco World
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Pushes Forward Reform of Criminal Procedure Code
Rabat – Morocco's House of Councillors passed a draft law seeking to amend the country's Criminal Procedure Code. The House of Councillors adopted Draft Law No. 03.23 with 24 votes in favor, and four against. Two councillors abstained from the vote. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi presented the reform, seeing it as a historic step in Morocco's legal, institutional, and human rights landscape. Ouahbi said the Code of Criminal Procedure holds 'great importance, within the legal system as the main driver of criminal and punitive laws, and as one of the framework laws that touches on two distinct domains, requiring a clear and precise legislative text and professional practice.' He also said the law seeks to ensure that crimes are properly investigated, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure prosecution. Meanwhile, the law also seeks to safeguard the search for innocence and guarantee the conditions of a fair trial. Ouahbi added that the draft law is in line with Morocco's developments that cover strengthening rights of freedoms, full adherence to international human rights commitments, and the fight against crime. The draft law was adopted based on consultations and discussions that involved institutions and bodies like the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and the Economic, Social, and Environmental Council (CESE). Ouhabi concluded his presentation, pledging that the legislative initiative 'undoubtedly represents a key step toward modernizing the national legal framework and meeting public expectations.' Since 2024, Ouahbi has been calling for modernizing Morocco's criminal procedure law among other legislative reforms. In March this year, Ouahbi urged Moroccan institutions to ensure the country's new alternative sentencing law achieves its full impact. He stressed the importance of Law No. 43.22, which introduces non-custodial penalties into Morocco's justice system, describing the legislation as a turning point in the country's approach to criminal justice. In May, the Moroccan government approved a draft decree of the law, setting the framework for implementing alternative sentencing measures. Tags: Article 218-2 of the criminal codecriminal code
Morocco World
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Rwanda Celebrates 31 Years of Liberation in Morocco
Rabat – The Rwandan Embassy in Rabat held a ceremony today to mark Kwibuka 31, the 31st anniversary of Rwanda's liberation. The event brought together Rwandans living in Morocco, Moroccan officials, and diplomats. The Moroccan Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi was also present at the event. Speaking to Morocco World News, Rwandan Ambassador to Morocco Shakila Omutonyi explained the meaning of Kwibuka , saying it means 'to liberate oneself.' She said the day is very important because it reminds everyone of the end of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, a tragic event that affected Rwanda deeply. Kwibuka about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years. But Kwibuka is not just about remembering the past. It is also about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years, the ambassador added. 'But on the other hand, we also commemorate the journey that Rwanda has gone through for the past 31 years. a journey of reconstruction, a journey of resilience. But mostly it's the Rwandan people that has made a decision to move forward and not be stuck in the past,' she told MWN. She thanked Morocco for supporting Rwanda throughout this journey of recovery and growth. Kwibuka is a day of remembrance and hope. It honors the memory of those who lost their lives during the genocide and celebrates Rwanda's progress in peace, unity, and development. Kwibuka about celebrating the journey Rwanda has made over the last 31 years. In 1994, over 800,000 people were killed in just 100 days during the tragic genocide against the Tutsi. Since the genocide ended, Rwanda has made a strong effort to rebuild the nation, with focus on justice, development, and unity among its people. Kwibuka is observed every year to honor the victims and to remember the pain and loss experienced by the country. But it's also a time for healing, peace, and unity. Each year, the country and Rwandan communities around the world hold ceremonies, events, and educational activities to promote reconciliation and prevent such violence from happening again. Tags: anniversaryLibérationRwanda
Qatar Tribune
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
QNL leads regional efforts to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property
Tribune News Network Doha As part of its ongoing commitment to preserving heritage, Qatar National Library (QNL), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)'s Regional Preservation and Conservation Centre for the Arab region, continues to champion efforts to prevent the illicit trade of cultural property across the region. In collaboration with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), Qatar's General Authority of Customs, and Morocco's Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes, Qatar National Library (QNL) is co-organizing the International Conference and High-Level Regional Workshop on the Role of Customs Authorities in Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property. The event, which began on 30 June and will continue until 5 July, is being held at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. The initiative consists of an international conference on the opening day, followed by a comprehensive five-day regional workshop that brings together customs officials, cultural heritage professionals, and law enforcement representatives from across the region, focusing on enhancing customs officers' capacity to identify and safeguard cultural property, apply international legal frameworks, and collaborate effectively with cultural and enforcement institutions. The opening ceremony featured remarks from distinguished officials including Minister of Justice, Kingdom of Morocco, Abdellatif Ouahbi; Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, Kingdom of Morocco, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid; Executive Director of Qatar National Library, Tan Huism; Director-General of ICESCO, Dr. Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik; Assistant Chairman for Customs Affairs at Qatar's General Authority of Customs Talal Abdullah Al Shaibi and senior officials Morocco's Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes. Tan Huism discussed the gravity of the increased threats to cultural heritage, and the importance of customs authorities in combating illicit trafficking, but also the role of the media and society. She discussed the efforts that Qatar National Library has made in this area, and the importance of working in partnership. She continued: 'Cultural items are expressions of who we are as a society. They hold our collective memory, reflect our identity, and offer insight into our values and beliefs. By working hand in hand with regional and international partners, we remain committed to preventing the trafficking of cultural property and ensuring they are preserved for future generations,' she said. Talal Al Shaibi emphasized the importance of collaboration with organizations like QNL and ICESCO in strengthening the ability of customs authorities to protect cultural heritage across borders. 'Customs authorities are often the first line of defence against the illegal movement of cultural assets. Thus, they play a crucial and leading role in combatting the illicit trade,' he said. Dr. Al Malik noted that the workshop represents a key milestone in building bridges between cultural institutions and customs authorities throughout the Islamic world, reinforcing ICESCO's mission to advance cultural heritage protection. The event marked a significant step forward in strengthening regional cooperation to combat crimes against cultural property and further solidified QNL's leadership in heritage preservation. QNL's efforts are aligned with Qatar's broader vision to safeguard cultural identity. As IFLA's Regional Preservation and Conservation Centre for the region, QNL plays a pivotal role in fostering regional collaboration, providing training and support for the protection of heritage.
Ya Biladi
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Morocco approves creation of national agency for child protection
The Government Council approved on Thursday draft law No. 29.24 establishing the National Agency for Child Protection, as well as child protection centers and social care institutions dedicated to children. The bill was presented by the Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi. This legislative initiative aligns with the great importance placed on children's rights within Morocco's legal framework and national institutions. The aim is to ensure effective protection and the full realization of children's rights, according to a statement from the Ministry in charge of Relations with Parliament, the official government spokesperson. The bill seeks to advance significant legislative and institutional reforms in the field of child protection by addressing key legal and practical challenges facing institutional child welfare. These include legislative gaps concerning child protection centers, the complexity of overlapping responsibilities among various stakeholders, and the need to account for the specific needs of different child categories, in addition to the persistent lack of institutional coordination. At its core, the draft law proposes the creation of the National Agency for Child Protection, a public institution with legal personality and financial autonomy. The agency will be tasked with implementing and advancing state policies related to the protection and promotion of children's rights.
