Morocco to Implement Alternative Sentencing Law in August 2025

In a move to address prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation, Morocco's Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, announced that the country's new law on alternative sentencing will come into effect on August 22, 2025. The law, known as Law No. 43.22, is designed to offer non-custodial penalties for certain misdemeanors, aiming to reintegrate offenders into society through rehabilitation and self-improvement.

The law will apply to individuals convicted of crimes with sentences of up to five years, excluding serious offenses such as state security crimes, terrorism, corruption, embezzlement, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and sexual assault against minors or disabled people. The goal is to reduce the pressure on overcrowded prisons while emphasizing rehabilitation and societal reintegration.

During a session in the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Minister Ouahbi confirmed that preparations for the law's implementation are already underway, with practical measures set to begin in May 2025. A dedicated committee, composed of representatives from various government sectors, including the prison administration, will oversee the process.

The government is also working with international partners, particularly the Council of Europe, to provide training sessions for judges and officials involved in enforcing the law. These efforts will help ensure the proper application of alternative sentencing when the law comes into force. In addition, Moroccan officials are looking at international models of alternative sentencing for insights into how such systems can be successfully implemented. Recently, a Moroccan delegation visited France to observe its alternative sentencing practices, and similar trips to Spain and the United States are planned.

Despite these efforts, reactions to the law have been mixed. Some Moroccans have criticized the alternative sentences as insufficiently harsh, arguing that they lack the "deterrence" factor of traditional custodial sentences. The debate has intensified as the country has seen a rise in crimes, particularly sexual assault, harassment, and abuse, with some crimes involving sentences under five years. Critics argue that offenders in these cases could potentially benefit from the new law, which has sparked concern among citizens.

One social media user, echoing the sentiment of others, expressed worry that the law could be exploited by the powerful. "This 'reform' will be used to keep friends of politicians and other influential people out of jail," they claimed. This sentiment reflects broader public unease about the potential for the law to be used in ways that undermine its intended purpose of promoting fairness and rehabilitation.

As Morocco prepares for the implementation of Law No. 43.22, the country faces an ongoing debate about the effectiveness and fairness of alternative sentencing. While some view it as a progressive step toward reducing overcrowding and promoting rehabilitation, others remain concerned about its potential to perpetuate inequalities within the justice system.