• Home
  • News
    • Africa
    • International
    • International News
    • Maghreb
    • Algeria
  • Politics
  • Business
    • International
    • Maghreb
    • Middle-East
    • Morocco
  • Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Essays
    • Letters
    • Op-Eds
    • Voices
  • Lifestyle
    • Culture
    • Book and Movie Reviews
    • History
    • Profiles and interviews
    • Upcoming Events
  • Features
  • Society
    • Expatriates
    • Gender issues
    • Portraits
    • Ramadan
    • Religion
  • Education
  • Covid-19
  • Western Sahara
    • Autonomy plan
    • History
Search
  • About Us
  • Sitemap
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Editorial Team
    • Contributors
    • Correspondents
    • Editorial Board
Morocco World News Morocco World News
  • Home
  • News
    • Algeria Replaces Foreign Intelligence Chief After Diplomatic Losses
      Algeria

      Algeria Replaces Foreign Intelligence Chief After Diplomatic Losses

      Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position
      Morocco

      Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position

      David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco
      Morocco

      David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco

      Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India
      Covid-19

      Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India

      Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management
      Economy

      Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management

      AllAfricaInternationalInternational NewsMaghrebAlgeria
  • Politics
    • David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco
      Morocco

      David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco

      El Otmani: Digitization to Improve Moroccans’ Access to Healthcare, Education
      Morocco

      El Otmani: Digitization to Improve Moroccans’ Access to Healthcare, Education

      Samir Bennis France Under Pressure to Recognize Morocco’s Sahara
      Economy

      Samir Bennis: France Under Pressure to Recognize Morocco’s Sahara

      Samir Bennis Morocco Enjoys ‘Unmatched’ Stability in MENA, Africa
      Economy

      Samir Bennis: Morocco Enjoys ‘Unmatched’ Stability in MENA, Africa

      King Mohammed VI Receives UAE Foreign Minister in Fez
      Morocco

      King Mohammed VI Receives UAE Foreign Minister in Fez

  • Business
    • Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management
      Economy

      Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management

      Polish Company LUG Light Factory to Expand in Southern Morocco
      Economy

      Polish Company LUG Light Factory to Expand in Southern Morocco

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
      Culture

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

      Morocco’s Ministries To Recruit 400 People With Special Needs
      Economy

      Morocco’s Ministries To Recruit 400 People With Special Needs

      Morocco Day 2021: Moroccan American Network Celebrates Laayoune, Dakhla
      Diaspora

      Morocco Day 2021: Moroccan American Network Celebrates Laayoune, Dakhla

      AllInternationalMaghrebMiddle-EastMorocco
  • Opinion
    • Planting Hope, Growing Peace: Models for Sustainable Peacebuilding in the MENA
      Op-ed

      Planting Hope, Growing Peace: Models for Sustainable Peacebuilding in the MENA

      Al Jazeera Twisting the Truth of Western Sahara
      Autonomy plan

      Al Jazeera: Twisting the Truth of Western Sahara

      Amazigh Identity and Morocco’s Multicultural Challenge
      Culture

      Amazigh Identity and Morocco’s Multicultural Challenge

      The US-Morocco-Israel Agreement and the Triumph of Pragmatism
      Opinion

      The US-Morocco-Israel Agreement and the Triumph of Pragmatism

      Casablanca Floods Unearth Shocking Lack of Accountability
      Editorials

      Casablanca Floods Unearth Shocking Lack of Accountability

      AllEditorialsEssaysLettersOp-EdsVoices
  • Lifestyle
    • ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to Arabic in Morocco
      Lifestyle

      ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to Arabic in Morocco

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
      Culture

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

      Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco
      Culture

      Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco

      Banned Moroccan Movie ‘About Some Meaningless Events’ Is Streaming Again
      Cinema

      Banned Moroccan Movie ‘About Some Meaningless Events’ Is Streaming Again

      Saad Lamjarrad to Record Adhan, Religious Songs as ‘Ongoing Charity’
      Culture

      Saad Lamjarrad to Record Adhan, Religious Songs as ‘Ongoing Charity’

      AllCultureBook and Movie ReviewsHistoryProfiles and interviewsUpcoming Events
  • Features
    • Documentaries’ allure lies in narratives of unfiltered real events that might reveal shocking and unsettling truths.
      Book and Movie Reviews

      Six Shocking and Unsettling Documentaries You Must Watch

      Eleven of the Best Moroccan Podcasts Everyone Should Follow
      Book and Movie Reviews

      Eleven of the Best Moroccan Podcasts Everyone Should Follow

      Moroccan Visual Artist MACHIMA’s Mural Art in Morocco’s Cities
      Culture

      Moroccan Visual Artist MACHIMA’s Mural Art in Morocco’s Cities

      Revenge Porn Case Shows Morality Laws Are Mission Impossible
      Features

      Revenge Porn Case Shows Morality Laws Are Mission Impossible

      Smart Ways to Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020
      Culture

      Smart Ways to Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020

  • Society
    • COVID-19 Cases in Morocco - January 21, 2021
      Covid-19

      Active COVID-19 Cases in Morocco Continue to Decline

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
      Culture

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

      Morocco’s Ministries To Recruit 400 People With Special Needs
      Economy

      Morocco’s Ministries To Recruit 400 People With Special Needs

      Morocco Slams RSF’s ‘Unjustified Attacks’ Against Moroccan Institutions
      Morocco

      Morocco Slams RSF’s ‘Unjustified Attacks’ Against Moroccan Institutions

      Melilla: 150 Irregular Migrants Scale Border Fences to Leave Morocco
      Morocco

      Melilla: 150 Irregular Migrants Scale Border Fences to Leave Morocco

      AllExpatriatesGender issuesPortraitsRamadanReligion
  • Education
    • Moroccan Universities to Adopt Bachelor System in 2021
      Education

      Moroccan Universities to Adopt Bachelor System in 2021

      African Union: Morocco Calls for Cooperation to Ensure Education
      Africa

      African Union: Morocco Calls for Cooperation to Ensure Education

      Morocco Records Significant Decline in School Dropouts in 2019-2020 Season
      Education

      Morocco Records Significant Decline in School Dropouts in 2019-2020 Season

      PJD Wants to Ban Moroccan Private Schools From Selling Textbooks
      Education

      PJD Wants to Ban Moroccan Private Schools From Selling Textbooks

      Documentaries’ allure lies in narratives of unfiltered real events that might reveal shocking and unsettling truths.
      Book and Movie Reviews

      Six Shocking and Unsettling Documentaries You Must Watch

  • Covid-19
    • Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India
      Covid-19

      Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India

      COVID-19 Cases in Morocco - January 21, 2021
      Covid-19

      Active COVID-19 Cases in Morocco Continue to Decline

      Morocco’s COVID-19 Death Toll Reached 8043 Amid Vaccination Delay
      Covid-19

      Morocco’s COVID-19 Death Toll Reached 8,043 Amid Vaccination Delay

      Morocco Confirms 1,246 COVID-19 Cases, 940 recoveries in 24 Hours
      Covid-19

      Morocco Confirms 1,246 COVID-19 Cases, 940 recoveries in 24 Hours

      El Othmani Morocco Has No Clue When COVID-19 Vaccines Will Arrive
      Covid-19

      El Othmani: Morocco Has No Clue When COVID-19 Vaccines Will Arrive

  • Western Sahara
    • Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position
      Morocco

      Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position

      Polisario, Algeria Share Fake News on US Western Sahara Proclamation
      Morocco

      Polisario, Algeria Share Fake News on US Western Sahara Proclamation

      Samir Bennis France Under Pressure to Recognize Morocco’s Sahara
      Economy

      Samir Bennis: France Under Pressure to Recognize Morocco’s Sahara

      Al Jazeera Twisting the Truth of Western Sahara
      Autonomy plan

      Al Jazeera: Twisting the Truth of Western Sahara

      Desperate Polisario 'Ready To Talk' Amid New Diplomatic Reality
      Western Sahara

      Desperate Polisario ‘Ready To Talk’ Amid New Diplomatic Reality

      AllAutonomy planHistory
  • Home
  • Food
    • Casablanca’s Franklin Roosevelt Starbucks Among World’s ‘Most Beautiful’
      Food

      Casablanca’s Franklin Roosevelt Starbucks Among World’s ‘Most Beautiful’

      Cuisine

      Moroccan Chef Hamid Miss Celebrates Morocco’s Cuisine in France

      Cuisine

      Moroccan Cuisine: Nine Must-Visit Restaurants in Rabat

      Olive Oil in Morocco: Health Benefits of Moroccan Virgin Olive Oil
      Cuisine

      Morocco’s Organic Olive Oil: Health Benefits of Moroccan Virgin Olive Oil

      7 Best Restaurants in Casablanca
      Casablanca

      Where to Eat in Morocco: 7 Best Restaurants in Casablanca

      AllHealth and DietRecipesRestaurant Reviews
  • Travel
    • 5 Historical Mausoleums You Should Visit in Morocco
      Culture

      5 Historical Mausoleums You Should Visit in Morocco

      Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit
      Culture

      Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit

      Laayoune Airport: Air traffic down 51% at the end of November
      Morocco

      Laayoune Airport: Air traffic down 51% at the end of November

      Royal Air Maroc to Launch New Flights From Casablanca To Dubai
      Morocco

      Royal Air Maroc to Launch New Flights From Casablanca To Dubai

      he City of Ouarzazate, Morocco Africa’s Hollywood
      Cinema

      The City of Ouarzazate, Morocco: Africa’s Hollywood

      AllExperiencesHotel ReviewsWhere to visit
  • Culture
    • Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
      Culture

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

      Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco
      Culture

      Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco

      Banned Moroccan Movie ‘About Some Meaningless Events’ Is Streaming Again
      Cinema

      Banned Moroccan Movie ‘About Some Meaningless Events’ Is Streaming Again

      Saad Lamjarrad to Record Adhan, Religious Songs as ‘Ongoing Charity’
      Culture

      Saad Lamjarrad to Record Adhan, Religious Songs as ‘Ongoing Charity’

      Hicham Hajji Reacts Again to Algerians’ Attack on New Movie ‘Redemption Day’
      Cinema

      Hicham Hajji Reacts Again to Algerians’ Attack on New Movie ‘Redemption Day’

      AllBook and Movie ReviewsHistoryProfiles and interviewsUpcoming Events
  • Style
    • Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
      Culture

      Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

      Smart Ways to Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020
      Culture

      Smart Ways to Make 2021 a Better Year Than 2020

      Travel to Morocco: 6 Unique Moroccan Souvenirs
      Highlights on Morocco

      Travel to Morocco: 6 Unique Moroccan Souvenirs

      Hassan Hajjaj Somewhere Between Modernity and Tradition
      Culture

      Hassan Hajjaj: Somewhere Between Modernity and Tradition

      Designer Ghitta Laskrouif Sheds Light on Sustainable Fashion in Morocco
      Fashion

      Designer Ghitta Laskrouif Sheds Light on Sustainable Fashion in Morocco

      AllFashionInterior DesignShopping
  • Places
    • “Reflet” Exhibition Promoting Art in Morocco Amid COVID-19
      Casablanca

      “Reflet” Exhibition Promoting Art in Morocco Amid COVID-19

      Global Shapers Community Opens Hub in Morocco’s Laayoune
      Economy

      Global Shapers Community Opens Hub in Morocco’s Laayoune

      Casablanca Floods: Lydec Breaks Silence, Tries to Make Up
      Administrative

      Casablanca Floods: Lydec Breaks Silence, Tries to Make Up

      Collapsed Building in Casablanca Killed 3 Victims, Including 1 Child
      Casablanca

      Collapsed Building in Casablanca Killed 3 Victims, Including 1 Child

      Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit
      Culture

      Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit

      AllCasablancaFezMarrakechRabatTangier
  • Highlights
  • Events
  • Moroccans of the world
  • Media
  • Services
Home News Morocco Where Is the Truth in Amina Filali’s Case?

Where Is the Truth in Amina Filali’s Case?

By Nidal Chebbak

Staff Writer
By
Staff Writer
-
Mar 16, 2012
Spread the love

By Nidal Chebbak

Morocco World News

Fez, March 16, 2012

Where is the truth in Amina Filali’s case? Was she a sinner or a rape victim? Does the public have to blindly sympathize with her case or should we keep digging for the real facts behind what really happened to her?  This story has received overwhelming media coverage in and out of Morocco. Civil society, NGOs and social media activists have adopted her cause and called for reform in the Moroccan penal code, especially article 475.

Amina Filali, a 16 year old girl, was allegedly raped and then married to the rapist, after a judge in her city, Larache, ordered a rape marriage which basically freed the alleged rapist of any crime. A few months later, Amina committed suicide by drinking rat poison.

For the past few days, Amina has been considered by the majority of people as a young girl who was a victim of a double crime; a victim of rape and a victim of forced marriage. Everyone can identify with this case, and no one can imagine a situation worse than Amina’s.

This case opened a controversial debate among the Moroccan public who are now calling for the abolition of Article 475 of the Moroccan penal code. This article clearly states: “whoever tricked or kidnapped a minor under the age of 18 without the use of violence, threats, or fraud or tried to do so, shall be punished by imprisonment for 1 to 5 years and a fine ranging between 200 to 500 dh. However, if the minor who was tricked or kidnapped has reached puberty and married the person who tricked or kidnapped her, then he cannot be pursued through the court, unless someone has the right to ask for banishing this marriage. He shall not be held accountable only after a verdict stating the invalidity of this marriage. If the victim refused to marry him, then her father or guardian has the right to force her.”

After days of campaigns to abolish this code and to adopt Amina’s case not just as an exceptional victim, but as a symbol of a revolution towards laws that highly undervalue women victims instead of protecting them, an official announcement was issued on Friday, March 16, from the Justice and Freedoms Ministry revealing new facts regarding the case.

The announcement claims that the media has given much attention to the incident and some even provided distorted facts. It also confirmed that, “Before the marriage, she, the victim, was in a relationship with the person she married, the result of which was losing her virginity by her own will. This is according to what she stated in her words and confirmed in front of her mother during the preliminary investigation, as well as during her appearance before the judge at the Court of Appeal in Tangiers.”

“The different parties of this case sought some time from the judge to conclude the marriage contract, to which he agreed. The father of Amina provided a request on the subject to rule on marriage at the Primary Court of Larache in September 19, 2011. The Judge called on the girl who confirmed during four sessions her will and desire to marry the man,” the announcement continues.

The ministry also mentioned that legal procedures have been respected in this case and the Public Prosecutor did not pursue the matter further in order to protect the interests of the minor based on her own request and her father’s as well as  the request of the person who married her in line with the constraints of law.  The Ministry stressed that their investigation into the cause of Amina Filali’s suicide is still ongoing under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor.

Now that we have two versions of Amina’s story with different contradictory facts, where is the voice of Amina in all this? What shall the public believe? Can these new revelations be a way to wrap the story up as if it never happened and overlook the sufferings of the voiceless Aminas across the country? How many Aminas should commit suicide to get attention for their situations? Who is going to give justice to their cases in general and to Amina Filali’s in particular instead of silencing and burying them in the name of “honor”, “shame”, and “culture”? Are we going to witness any change in the judiciary laws that victimize women and deepen their misfortunes?

The statement issued by the minister of Justice and Freedoms, Mr Mustapha Ramid:

© Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved.

Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
WhatsApp
Email
ReddIt
Pinterest
    Staff Writer

    RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

    Algeria Replaces Foreign Intelligence Chief After Diplomatic Losses
    Algeria

    Algeria Replaces Foreign Intelligence Chief After Diplomatic Losses

    Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position
    Morocco

    Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position

    David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco
    Morocco

    David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco

    Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India
    Covid-19

    Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India

    Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management
    Economy

    Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management

    ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to Arabic in Morocco
    Lifestyle

    ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to Arabic in Morocco

    MOST WATCHED VIDEOS
    Polisario Supporters Storm Moroccan Consulate General in Valencia

    Polisario Supporters Storm Moroccan Consulate General in Valencia

    Tamba François Koundouno - Nov 15, 2020
    Rania Sara Moroccan sisters the Voice Kids France

    The Voice Kids: French-Moroccan Sisters Amaze Judges to Reach Finals

    Diaspora Oct 4, 2020
    Video Shows Children Witnessing, Surviving Beirut Explosion

    Video Shows Children Witnessing, Surviving Beirut Explosion

    News Aug 5, 2020
    Beirut Explosion Leaves Royal Air Maroc Agency in Ruins

    Video: Beirut Explosion Leaves Royal Air Maroc Agency in Ruins

    International Aug 5, 2020
    ‘Morocco’s Warrior Women’ The Inspirational Riders Taking on Fantasia

    ‘Morocco’s Warrior Women’: The Inspirational Riders Taking on Fantasia

    Culture Jul 29, 2020
    MOST READ

    LIFESTYLE UPDATES

    ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to Arabic in Morocco
    Lifestyle Jan 21, 2021

    ‘A Girl in a Blue Shirt’ 1st Israeli Book Translated to...

    Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women
    Culture Jan 21, 2021

    Snail Slime Cosmetics: INDH, Chalale Atlas Empower Moroccan Women

    Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco
    Culture Jan 21, 2021

    Scientists Discover World’s Oldest Starfish Fossil in Morocco

    EXPERIENCES

    • Culture Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit Morocco’s Red City: Touristic Places in Marrakech You Must Visit
    • Experiences California to Morocco: A Student’s COVID-19 Diary of Self-Discovery California to Morocco: A Student’s COVID-19 Diary of Self-Discovery
    • Experiences Travel in Morocco: Exploring Tinmel Mosque, a Hidden Gem Travel in Morocco: Exploring Tinmel Mosque, a Hidden Gem

    MOST READ

    MOST READ OPINIONS
    [getmostpop category=11 range="last30days"]

    Latest Articles

    Algeria Replaces Foreign Intelligence Chief After Diplomatic Losses

    Western Sahara: Inhofe Continues to Promote Mischaracterizations on US Position

    David Greene Becomes Charge d’Affaires for US Embassy in Morocco

    Fire Strikes COVID-19 Vaccine Producer Serum Institute of India

    Morocco, World Bank Partner on Sustainable Coastline Management

    Newsletter

    Invalid email address
    You can unsubscribe at any time.
    Thanks for subscribing! Please check your email for further instructions.
    Morocco World News

    About us

    Morocco World News: Championing Free Speech and Thoughtful Debate Through Journalistic Excellence.

    Morocco World News is dedicated to bringing the news of Morocco and the MENA region to a wide audience without bias or a political agenda.

    Contact us: [email protected]

    DMCA.com Protection Status

    Useful Links

    • About
    • Contributors
    • Contact
    • Advertise
    • Contribute
    • Correspondents
    • Editorial Board
    We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
    Cookie settingsACCEPT
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled

    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

    Non-necessary

    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.