By Youssef El Kaidi
By Youssef El Kaidi
Morocco World News
Fez, July 27, 2013
According to the Spanish news agency EFE, Article 222 of the Penal Code was applied on Tuesday at the Salé court with the conviction of a man to three months in prison for allegedly smoking during the day of Ramadan.
The man, who reportedly smoked in broad daylight last Sunday, gave the pretext of headache and that he needed a cigarette to calm down the pain. However, medical examination found no ailment that could exempt him from fasting.
The family of the man demanded bail but it was rejected by the judge.
Article 222 of the Penal Code specifies that “anyone who is notoriously known for membership in the religion of Islam and ostensibly breaks the fast in public during the time of fasting Ramadan, without the reasons permitted by this religion” is liable to 1-6 months in prison and a fine.
This verdict will undoubtedly stir debate on Article 222 of the Moroccan Penal Code. Many rights groups and social and political activists call for the decriminalization of eating in Ramadan and see the act as pertaining to personal and religious freedom. “What does bother Muslims who fast if somebody eats in public?” they ask.
