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Rabat – The Rabat Appeal Court has increased the prison sentences against the three men who had been found guilty of gang-raping and impregnating Sanae, the minor victim of the Tiflet rape case, to 10 to 20 years in prison.
The court handed its verdict following a prolonged session that lasted throughout Thursday night.
The court sentenced the first defendant to 20 years in prison, while the other two defendants received 10 years each.
The first perpetrator should also pay the victim a compensation of MAD 60,000 ($5,933), while two other defendants should pay a compensation of MAD 40,000 ($3,955) each.
The court’s judge listened to the victim in a closed-door trial requested by the public prosecutor to “protect the child” during the process.
All three rapists pleaded not guilty despite evidence proving their involvement, including a DNA test.
Sanae was sexually assaulted and repeatedly raped by the three men when she was 11.
The rape resulted in the victim’s pregnancy. Now 13, she is the mother of a one-year-old baby boy.
The new verdict came after the court handed light sentences to the defendants last month.
A court sentenced the perpetrators to two years in prison on March 20, sparking nationwide uproar and frustration.
Following the outrage, an appeal process reopened to review the light sentences.
Up to 20 lawyers represented Sanae during the appeal trial.
The initial verdict revived the debate with activists and regular citizens urging the judiciary to toughen sentences and trials against perpetrators in sexual assault, harassment, and rape crimes.
According to Article 486 of the Moroccan Penal Code, rape is a crime punishable by a 5 to 10-year prison sentence.
However, if the victim is under the age of 18, is physically or mentally ill, or is pregnant, the perpetrator faces a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison.
Prior to the verdict, many activists and citizens rallied in Rabat and protested the light sentences before the city’s court last week.
Holding banners against sexual assaults, harassment, and similar crimes, the activists stressed the importance of implementing reforms to the judiciary to ensure that victims’ rights are fully covered and guaranteed during trials.
