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Rabat — The Moroccan Prisons Observatory released a concerning report on Tuesday, revealing the critical state of the country’s prison system in 2023.
The report draws attention to the harsh conditions of detention, widespread overcrowding, and multiple violations of prisoners’ rights, calling for urgent reforms to address these persistent issues.
A central focus of the report is the alarming issue of overcrowding in Moroccan prisons, which has reached a crisis point.
By the end of 2023, Morocco’s prison population had surged to approximately 102,653 inmates, exceeding the system’s capacity by 159%. This overcrowding remains a significant problem, even after the recent opening of three new facilities in El Jadida, Laâyoune, and Tamesna.
The overcrowded conditions contribute to numerous challenges, including the spread of diseases, incidents of torture, and general mistreatment of detainees. Prisoners are forced to endure cramped cells, a lack of basic services, and in some cases, sexual violence.
The situation is particularly dire for those held in pretrial detention, who make up nearly half of the prison population and often face prolonged incarceration without a trial.
The report, prepared in collaboration with Lawyers Without Borders (ASF), highlights significant shortcomings in the country’s prison reform efforts. A major concern is the ongoing incarceration of mentally ill individuals in the prison system, where they are denied the specialized care they require.
The observatory asserts that this situation constitutes a violation of prisoners’ rights and calls for a comprehensive overhaul to address mental health issues within the prison population.
The report underscores the urgent need for alternative sentencing measures, such as non-custodial sentences, to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions. It also advocates for integrating these alternatives into a broader legal framework, combining the Penal Code and the Code of Criminal Procedure, to ensure that justice is served while protecting human rights.
The Moroccan Prisons Observatory made several key recommendations for reform. Among them is the permanent abolition of the death penalty, in alignment with Morocco’s constitutional commitment to the right to life.
The report also calls for the revision of disciplinary procedures in prisons to improve detention conditions and protect prisoners from abuses. Ensuring prisoners’ right to legal assistance and the ability to contest disciplinary decisions is also a crucial step toward ensuring fair treatment, the report asserts.
Additionally, the observatory advocates for reforms in the pardon process, urging that more individuals be eligible for early release. This would help reduce overcrowding and improve conditions within prisons, contributing to the overall goal of enhancing the justice system.
As Morocco continues to face these pressing challenges within its prison system, the Observatory’s report calls for swift action from authorities to implement meaningful reforms. The recommendations aim to create a fairer, more humane system that upholds both justice and human rights for all individuals, regardless of their status as detainees.
