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Morocco World
6 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Moroccan Legal System Readies to Introduce Alternative Sentencing
Rabat — Morocco is set to implement a major judicial reform with the introduction of alternative sentencing measures. The move is aimed at reducing prison overcrowding and promoting the reintegration of offenders into society, said Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas. The decision is scheduled to come into effect at the end of August with the application of Law 43.22, representing a significant shift toward a more rehabilitative justice system. Speaking at a press briefing following the weekly Government Council on Thursday, Baitas stressed that the success of this reform hinges on the full involvement of all stakeholders in the justice system. This includes judges, the Public Prosecutor's Office, and the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR), all working under a new vision of justice focused on human rights and rehabilitation. Baitas described the upcoming enforcement of Law 43.22 as a 'clear and meaningful recognition of human rights,' providing legal avenues for non-custodial sentencing while protecting victims' rights and considering the severity of certain crimes. Read also: Government Approves Decree Making Alternative Sentencing in Morocco a Reality The new law outlines specific cases in which alternative sentences—such as community service, fines, or restrictions on certain activities—may be applied. However, it excludes serious crimes, including corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, human organ trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors, and repeat offenses. These remain subject to traditional custodial penalties. More than just legal adjustments, the reform is part of Morocco's broader effort to align its national legal framework with international human rights standards and recommendations from global bodies active in the fields of justice and crime prevention. Baitas emphasized that alternative sentencing also supports Morocco's response to the chronic issue of prison overcrowding. By offering solutions that focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration, the law aims to ensure a more effective and humane justice system. The government has put in place a comprehensive legal framework to support the rollout, including Law 43.22 and Decree No. 2.25.386, which outlines how alternative sentences should be applied and the related procedures. The reform is in line with the High Directives of King Mohammed VI and represents a foundational step toward a modernized, rehabilitative, and rights-respecting penal system. Tags: Alternative sentencingbaitasMorocco alternative sentencing
Morocco World
18-07-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
Morocco Records Over 67,000 Moroccans' Arrivals Daily as Part of Marhaba 2025
Rabat – Morocco records more than 67,000 Moroccan arrivals daily as part of the 2025 Marhaba operation, an initiative facilitating the transit of Moroccans living abroad (MREs) during the summer season. July 14 recorded the highest number of arrivals of Moroccans residing abroad, according to government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday, noting that past and current weeks recorded more than 67,000 MREs arrivals on a daily basis. This upward trend is expected to continue through this and the following weeks, stressing that the maritime plan has been strengthened with the deployment of 29 ships operated by seven maritime companies across 12 routes connecting Moroccan ports with those in Spain, France, and Italy. The routes offer a total capacity of 7.3 million passengers and two million vehicles, marking a 3% increase compared to last year. Air travel also expanded to reach 500,000 passengers per week, Baitas said, noting that 59 airlines have been authorized to operate around 2,135 weekly flights connecting Moroccan airports with 141 international destinations. Baitas reported MAD 530 million investment to improve passenger reception facilities at ports of Tanger Med, Nador, Al Hoceima, and Tangier, noting that the medical coverage spans approximately 3,578 kilometers across major roadways. The Marahaba operation kicked off on June 10 and will continue until September, with 26 welcome sites operating across the country and key European countries. Tags: MarhabaMarhaba operation
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Business
- Maroc
Morocco Grants Housing Aid to Over 55,000 Beneficiaries
More than 55,500 people have benefited from Morocco's national housing assistance program as of July 9, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said on Thursday. The program had recorded 55,512 beneficiaries, 47% of whom are women, Baitas said at a press briefing following the weekly cabinet meeting, adding that the majority – 76.3% – are residents in Morocco, while 23.7% are Moroccans living abroad. Fez tops the list of cities with the most beneficiaries, followed by Berrechid, Meknes, Kenitra, Casablanca, El Jadida, Benslimane, Settat, Oujda, and Berkane. The number of applicants has reached 177,344 across Morocco's 12 regions, with 37% under the age of 35 and an average applicant age of 41, Baitas said. About 62% of applications concern homes priced between 300,000 and 700,000 dirhams, while the remaining 38% are for homes costing less than 300,000 dirhams. The housing support program, launched for the 2024–2028 period, offers direct financial assistance to first-time homebuyers. Eligible buyers receive 100,000 dirhams for homes priced under 300,000 dirhams, and 70,000 dirhams for homes priced between 300,000 and 700,000 dirhams, taxes included. MAP: 10 July 2025
Maroc
11-07-2025
- Politics
- Maroc
Morocco to Establish Foundation for 2030 World Cup Preparations
Morocco's Government Council on Thursday approved a bill to establish the 'Morocco 2030 Foundation,' a new body tasked with overseeing preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which the Kingdom is co-hosting. Bill No. 35.25, presented by Minister Delegate for the Budget Fouzi Lekjaa, forms part of the implementation of directives issued by HM King Mohammed VI during the Council of Ministers held on December 4, 2024. Speaking at a press briefing after the weekly cabinet meeting, Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas said the Foundation will coordinate and monitor development projects linked to the 2030 World Cup and ensure Morocco meets its commitments under the tournament's specifications. Baitas added that the initiative aligns with HM the King's vision of sport as a tool for sustainable and inclusive development, as well as a driver of youth integration and territorial development. He noted that hosting the 2030 World Cup—alongside other major events such as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations—reinforces Morocco's status as a hub for international events and a meeting point of civilizations. The Morocco 2030 Foundation will adopt a participatory approach involving government bodies, public institutions, local authorities, civil society, the private sector, the Moroccan diaspora, and the broader football community, including African partners, Baitas said. MAP: 10 July 2025
Morocco World
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Morocco Approves New Laws to Strengthen Professional Journalism
Rabat — The Moroccan government has approved two important draft laws today aimed at strengthening the legal framework governing professional journalism. Following the weekly cabinet meeting on Thursday, Mustapha Baitas, the government spokesperson and delegate minister responsible for parliamentary relations, explained that these legislative updates seek to modernize the regulation of journalism in Morocco while keeping pace with the evolving media landscape. The first draft law, Bill No. 27.25, amends and supplements the existing Law No. 89.13 concerning the professional status of journalists. Presented by the Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, the bill aligns with constitutional provisions safeguarding freedom of expression and the press. It also respects Morocco's international commitments on human rights and protects the professional and social rights of journalists. Baitas emphasized that this reform addresses the profound changes within the media sector, ensuring the legal framework remains relevant and effective. It aims to uphold press freedom while maintaining compliance with legal boundaries and professional ethics. The second draft law, Bill No. 26.25, focuses on reorganizing the National Press Council (Conseil National de la Presse). Also presented by Minister Bensaid, this law strengthens the council's alignment with constitutional articles 25, 27, and 28, which guarantee freedom of expression and support the self-regulation of journalism and publishing. Baitas highlighted that this legislative reform builds on the recommendations of a special committee established under Law No. 15.23 to oversee the press and publishing sector. Its goal is to ensure the council's ongoing role in self-regulating the profession, promoting journalistic ethics, and safeguarding the sector through democratic and independent mechanisms. Furthermore, the draft law seeks to consolidate the achievements of Law No. 90.13, enacted in 2016, which affirmed the council's independent, professional character and its core responsibilities, especially its regulatory authority over press and publishing. Minister Bensaid also noted Morocco's progress in media pluralism and freedom of expression over the past two decades. Earlier this year, he cited the growth of the Moroccan media landscape, which now includes 988 online platforms, 275 newspapers, and 106 international journalists operating in the country. He described these developments as evidence of Morocco's democratic advancement. 'The press in Morocco alternates between supporting and criticizing the government, which reflects the progress we have made in democracy over the past twenty years,' the minister insisted. Tags: freedom of journalismFreedom of speechgovernment council
