Rabat, February 14, 2012 (MAP)
Rabat, February 14, 2012 (MAP)
The judicial authorities charged with investigating the events that took place in the central city of Taza have shown great restraint, and carried out the arrests, which were limited, when there was enough evidence (witnesses and video records notably), in order to ensure fair trials, said on Monday Moroccan Justice and Freedoms Minister Mustapha Ramid.
In response to a question in the House of Representatives on the incidents of Taza, Ramid said that public authorities have shown “obvious flexibility” vis-à-vis peaceful practices by turning a blind eye to number of legal formalities.
“No arrests have been reported at this level, the ultimate objective being to protect the physical integrity of citizens and law enforcement officers, and to preserve property and public infrastructure,” he said.
Ramid said that four people were arrested for theft and contempt of public officials on duty, another person suspected of having set fire on a police car and obstructing traffic on public roads, and thirteen others whose trials are ongoing, for disobedience and contempt of public officials.
Five other defendants were sentenced from 3 to 4 months suspended sentence for insulting public officials and obstruction of traffic on public roads, he added.
Ramid regretted, on this occasion, the fact that the culture of peaceful protest has given way to practices of violent protests, calling for opening a national debate that involves all elements of society.
“More and more social groups choose violence to ensure that their demands are met,” the minister noted, adding that this violence targets most often the state institutions, and even the protester itself.
Such a practice, he noted, hinders development and discourages initiatives of investment which can create jobs.
Commenting on the minister’s response, some deputies stressed the importance of fighting against all forms of corruption, including those related to local management, calling for correcting any slippages in the framework of rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution, and according to an inclusive approach to address the social problems that have been the cause of incidents of Taza.
