Rabat – The Moroccan judicial police in Casablanca arrested a 44-year old man for his alleged involvement in the alleged rape and sexual assault crimes against minors on Thursday, September 2.
A statement from the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) identified the man as a “security guard” involved in a rape and sexual assault case against minors.
Police arrested the suspect in accordance with bilateral security cooperation between Moroccan police and US security services.
The investigation led to the arrest following the discovery of records published on the internet.
The crimes were allegedly committed in Morocco, DGSN said.
Technical research procedures enabled the police to identify the suspect’s identity.
Investigations are still ongoing to identify four potential victims, who will be subject to necessary medical expertise.
Article 485 of the Moroccan penal code stipulates that any person involved in a violent assault against a minor under the age of 18 is subject to a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison.
Morocco’s government has committed to intensifying efforts to prevent sexual assaults and rape against minors and children.
A number of recent sexual exploitation crimes in Morocco sparked outrage within the country, resulting in the country’s renewed commitment to tackle the issue.
In April, Morocco’s Court of Appeal in Tangier sentenced an imam to 30-years in prison for sexually assaulting minors.
Police arrested the imam and placed him in custody in September 2020 following complaints from families.
The imam assaulted six victims.
In February, a similar case of sexual assault took place near Rabat. The suspect was a 44-year old primary school teacher charged with sexually harassing eight of his female students.
Additionally, an incident in Tangier last year incited a great deal of concern and outrage among Moroccans.
A 24-year-old man abducted, raped, and murdered an 11-year old boy in Tangier.
A court convicted the perpetrator and sentenced him to the death penalty.
