Latest news with #AbdellatifOuahbi
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Government Approves Decree Making Alternative Sentencing in Morocco a Reality
Rabat– The Government approved on Thursday the draft decree No. 2.25.386, which sets the framework for implementing alternative sentencing measures. The draft was presented by Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi during the weekly government council. This initiative is part of the enforcement of Law No. 43.22 on alternative penalties, aimed at strengthening the criminal justice system, improving sentencing mechanisms, reducing prison overcrowding, and promoting the reintegration of offenders into society. It adopts more humane approaches for less serious crimes, explained Government spokesperson and Minister Delegate for Parliamentary relations, Mustapha Baitas, during a press briefing following the Council meeting. The decree also seeks to implement provisions of Articles 1-647 and 13-647 of the Criminal Procedure Code. It outlines the organization of responsibilities for the penitentiary administration in monitoring the execution of alternative sentences at both central and local levels, and establishes the management procedures for electronic monitoring devices such as ankle bracelets, added Baitas. A key objective is to ensure coherence and optimal coordination among all involved parties to guarantee the effective application of these alternative sentences. Ouahbi characterized the law as a milestone in the nation's criminal justic e approach. Instead of depending exclusively on imprisonment, the law introduces penalties focused on rehabilitation rather than punishment. He emphasized that this change goes beyond legislation, requiring coordinated efforts throughout the entire judicial system. Separately, the Minister noted that the review of draft decree No. 2.23.152, which relates to the enforcement of Article 13 of Framework Law No. 97.13 on the protection and promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities, has been postponed to a future government meeting. Tags: Abdelatif Ouahbialternative punishmentsAlternative sentencing
Morocco World
22-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco, Saudi Arabia Advance Judicial Cooperation With New Bilateral Agreements
Rabat – The Moroccan Government Council reviewed, on Thursday, two significant cooperation agreements signed with Saudi Arabia , marking a new chapter in judicial collaboration between the two countries. Signed on November 13, 2024, in Riyadh, the agreements were presented by Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita. The first agreement focuses on the transfer of convicted individuals, allowing nationals sentenced in either country to serve their sentences in their home nation. The accompanying Draft Law No. 10.25 was also introduced to formalize Morocco's approval of the agreement. The second agreement addresses mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, enabling the two nations to collaborate more effectively in criminal investigations and prosecutions. This is supported by Draft Law No. 13.25, also reviewed by the Council. Government spokesperson and Minister Delegate in charge of relations with Parliament, Mustapha Baitas, emphasized that these agreements are part of Morocco's ongoing efforts to strengthen its international legal cooperation, particularly with strategic partners like Saudi Arabia. These accords are expected to improve the handling of cross-border legal issues, enhance the rights of Moroccan and Saudi nationals abroad, and further solidify judicial collaboration in line with both countries' broader diplomatic agenda. The legal cooperation agreements between Morocco and Saudi Arabia come amid a broader context of deepening bilateral ties across various sectors. A notable example is the recent entry of Morocco's leading construction company, TGCC, into the Saudi market through a strategic partnership with Naif Alrajhi Investment. Announced earlier this week, the agreement will see TGCC's Middle East subsidiary collaborate on major construction projects developed by the Saudi investment group. This marks TGCC's debut in one of the world's largest and most dynamic construction markets and reflects the growing economic synergy between the two kingdoms. Tags: cooperationjudical lawmorocco saudi arabiaSaudi Arabia
Ya Biladi
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Ouahbi reveals past deal between accused professor and ex-Minister of Justice
During a parliamentary session held on Tuesday to discuss Bill No. 03.23—which amends and supplements Law No. 22.01 on criminal procedure—Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi brought up a controversial case involving the scandal over the sale of master's degrees at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir. Ouahbi revealed that the university professor accused in the case had previously signed a partnership agreement with a former Minister of Justice as part of an anti-corruption association. «The scandal that occurred at Agadir University—well, I have an agreement at the Ministry of Justice signed by the head of this association [referring to the accused professor] and a former Minister of Justice to combat corruption», Ouahbi told members of Parliament. He added that he is willing to make the partnership agreement public. The minister's remarks came as part of his defense of the bill's new provisions, which prohibit associations from filing complaints related to crimes involving public funds—a move that sparked considerable debate in Parliament. Ouahbi also rejected amendments proposed by some parliamentarians to Articles 3 and 7 of the draft civil procedure law, which would allow civil society organizations to pursue corruption cases.
Maroc
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Environment: Morocco's Legislative Progress Reflects Its Commitment to Aligning Its Legal Instruments with International Standards
Morocco's significant progress in environmental legislation in recent years reflects the country's commitment to aligning its legal instruments with international standards and integrating environmental justice into its broader vision of justice, Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi said Monday in Rabat. In a speech delivered on his behalf by Rima Lablaili, director of cooperation and communication at the Ministry of Justice, during the Fourth World Environmental Law Congress, Ouahbi underscored Morocco's legislative reforms across key sectors including biodiversity, water resources, waste management, air pollution, and the fight against climate change. The global conference, held under the theme 'Integrated legal protection of Air, Ocean and Land,' is organized by the World Commission on Environmental Law of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Ouahbi emphasized that the Ministry considers these issues a top priority, supporting the development of a stronger national legal framework, enhancing the capacity of legal professionals, and fostering active cooperation with relevant national and international institutions. Environmental protection, he noted, is no longer a legislative option or luxury, but rather a legal, ethical, and political imperative 'driven by our collective responsibility toward current and future generations.' Sharing a 'common concern,' Ouahbi warned that environmental issues appear to be gradually slipping from the list of international political priorities, 'even as the planet has never needed us more.' 'There can be no lasting peace on an exhausted planet, nor equitable development in a distressed environment,' he said. Morocco's participation in the conference, he added, offers a valuable opportunity to exchange best practices, draw inspiration from innovative experiences, and reaffirm the Kingdom's role as a committed, supportive, and forward-looking actor on the global stage. This commitment, Ouahbi stressed, aligns with the foresighted vision of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, who has elevated environmental and climate issues to the level of a national priority. MAP: 05 mai 2025
Morocco World
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco's Justice Minister Pushes for Stronger Collaboration on Alternative Sentencing Law
Rabat – Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi urged Moroccan institutions on Wednesday to work more closely together to ensure the country's new alternative sentencing law achieves its full impact. His call came during a national conference in Rabat focused on the practical implementation of Law No. 43.22, which introduces non-custodial penalties into the Moroccan justice system. Ouahbi described the law as a turning point in the country's approach to criminal justice. Rather than relying solely on prison terms, the law opens the door to penalties that aim to rehabilitate rather than punish. He made it clear that this shift requires more than just legislation; it demands coordinated action across the judicial system. 'The judge has full authority to decide when and how to apply these sentences,' Ouahbi said, speaking to an audience of legal professionals and policymakers. 'But for this to work, we need solid structures, detailed reports on offenders' circumstances, and above all, the will to make the system more humane.' He drew from global practices to underline the importance of flexibility, warning against bureaucratic resistance due to limited resources. 'We can't let a lack of equipment or staff prevent us from doing what's right,' he added. Law 43.22 reflects Morocco's efforts to modernize its justice system. It supports the reintegration of offenders, aims to reduce pressure on overcrowded prisons, and seeks to curb public spending. The law applies only to offenses with sentences under five years and excludes repeat offenders where deterrence remains a key concern. Alternative sentences under the law fall into four categories: unpaid community work, electronic surveillance, restricted rights or corrective measures, and financial penalties based on income. The conference featured two in-depth sessions, one focused on the legal framework of alternative sentencing, and the other on the challenges of turning that framework into everyday practice.
