Rabat- A Tangier appeals court has sentenced four minors to three years in prison each after convicting them of group sexual assault in a viral case that has sparked heated human rights debates.
The sentencing was delivered behind closed doors following an extensive hearing, and scenes of anguish unfolded outside the courthouse as the verdict was announced.
The minors’ families expressed disbelief and grief, with mothers reportedly fainted in reaction to the sentencing.
The incident involves the public sexual assault and harassment of a young women on the streets of Tangier. Videos of the harassment quickly went viral, and became a focal point for discussions on sexual violence and accountability.
The disturbing videos show several teenage boys and one girl assaulting the woman in public.
The teenagers surrounded the woman, grabbed her arms, touched her inappropriately and lifted her dress up.
The assault took place while passersby, both men and women, looked on.
One person eventually intervened and helped the victim, asking the teenagers assaulting the woman to release her.
Multiple members of the group were identified and arrested shortly after, but the final verdict for their prison sentences was not determined until today.
