Decrease in preventive detention rates in Morocco for 2023

The rate of preventive detention in Morocco has dropped to 37.56% of the total prison population for the year 2023, according to a report from the Public Ministry. This reduction is attributed to exceptional efforts in rationalizing, controlling, and monitoring preventive detention measures within penal institutions.

This decline results from a collaborative approach between the Public Ministry and the Superior Council of the Judicial Power, which has led to the establishment of local, regional, and central cells for monitoring preventive detention, as outlined in a joint circular dated June 1, 2023.

Despite this decrease in the preventive detention rate, the overall prison population has risen, surpassing 100,000 inmates by August 2023. This surge prompted the release of a statement aimed at informing the public about the causes behind this increase, along with several meetings involving relevant sectors to address issues related to prison overcrowding.

Regarding physical coercion, the report indicates that courts processed 40,115 cases in 2023, resulting in the annulment of 9,066 arrest warrants due to expiration or insufficient legal grounds.

In terms of liberty-restricting measures, a substantial number of records were reviewed by the courts during 2023, totaling 58,306 cases. This review led to the cancellation of 15,555 search warrants due to expiration and 21,606 others for various reasons, including the arrest of suspects or their voluntary appearance before law enforcement.

The report commends the significant efforts made by judicial police to facilitate the review process of search warrants, emphasizing the urgent need to enhance the computer system used by courts (SAGE 2) to streamline this process and reduce reliance on paper documentation.

Addressing human rights violations, the report notes that, in 2023, courts engaged with allegations of torture, violence, and mistreatment, whether through formal complaints or medical examinations conducted upon the appearance of the individuals involved. Courts received 187 complaints related to violence, 84 regarding mistreatment, and 13 concerning torture, along with 27 complaints about arbitrary detention.

To enhance the protection of individuals deprived of liberty from torture and mistreatment, the report highlights the proactive role of courts in conducting regular visits to detention facilities. The year 2023 saw a significant increase in such visits, resulting in notably positive outcomes. Courts conducted 22,032 visits to detention centers, representing 116.25% of the legally mandated total, 1,058 visits to penal institutions, 198 visits to psychiatric facilities, and 76 visits to child protection centers.

In terms of protecting women and children, the Public Ministry reported a rise of 1,134 cases of violence against women, increasing from 28,816 cases in 2022 to 29,950 in 2023. Crimes against children also surged, with 9,106 cases recorded in 2023, involving 9,624 individuals prosecuted, compared to 7,931 cases and 8,450 prosecutions in 2022.

The measures taken against children in conflict with the law increased significantly in 2023, totaling 44,434 measures—an increase of 1,151 compared to 2022. This includes actions taken before or during trials and those decided during case adjudication.

Furthermore, the report indicates a notable rise of 23.64% in human trafficking cases, with 110 cases processed in 2023, compared to 84 in 2022. The number of individuals prosecuted for human trafficking crimes reached 171, marking a 10.53% increase from the previous year.

Regarding public life, the anti-corruption hotline, operational since May 14, 2018, has received a total of 77,507 calls by December 31, 2023. This hotline has facilitated the detection of 299 corruption cases, most of which have resulted in convictions, while others remain under investigation.

The report emphasizes the progress made by courts in addressing money laundering crimes in 2023, with notable advancements in managing investigations. This effort culminated in the resolution of all cases recorded in 2020 and earlier. Consequently, 2023 saw the highest number of judgments in money laundering cases, reaching 134, compared to 85 in 2022.

In terms of public safety and order, the report outlines a significant increase in recorded cases across various crime types. In 2023, terrorism-related cases totaled 123, with 119 individuals prosecuted. The number of files pertaining to crimes against public safety and order reached 73,130, involving over 854,000 prosecutions. Additionally, cases related to crimes against persons stood at 146,568, with 181,861 individuals pursued legally.

The report further noted 72,554 cases concerning financial crimes, leading to 88,347 prosecutions, while files related to family and public morality offenses reached 24,761, involving 28,727 individuals. Cases of forgery, counterfeiting, and identity theft amounted to 9,072, resulting in 12,273 prosecutions.