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Rabat – Princess Lalla Meryem, President of the National Observatory for the Rights of the Child (ONDE), has instructed the observatory to provide immediate support to the 13-year-old child, Bachir, a rape victim of the annual Moulay Abdellah Amghar festival in El Jadida.
The orphaned teenage boy from Youssoufia, whose mother suffers from severe mental illness, was drugged and raped by 14 men over several days.
When Bachir returned home, traumatized and disoriented, he confided in neighbors, who alerted authorities and arranged his transfer to Mohammed VI University Hospital in Marrakech.
Doctors described his injuries as severe, with psychological trauma so intense that he exhibited hallucinations. The case shocked the country, particularly because the assault occurred during a public festival attended by thousands of families.
The ONDE has assigned a specialized child psychiatrist to deliver psychological care as soon as possible, aiming to protect the child’s mental health and prevent long-term effects of trauma.
From the moment of the incident, the observatory worked closely with the Public Prosecutor and the lawyer handling the case, following all protective measures to safeguard the child.
Read also: Moroccans Unite Under ‘All for Bachir’ Campaign as Nation Reels from El Jedida Festival Gang Rape
Studies show that violence against children leaves lasting scars on mental health.
Traumatic experiences in childhood strongly increase the risk of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse in adulthood, aggressive behavior, and learning difficulties.
The National Child Psychotrauma Unit (DNPTE), established by Princess Lalla Meryem in October 2023, operates through six centers in Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Agadir, Oujda, and Fez.
It provides support to children under 18 who experience natural disasters, human-made crises, or events with severe psychological consequences. By deploying trained professionals rapidly, the DNPTE ensures children receive immediate and follow-up care, while preparing longer-term therapeutic support.
This recent rape case sparked widespread commotion across Morocco, with citizens taking to social media to express their anger and demand justice.
In recent years, Moroccans have overwhelmingly urged lawmakers to strengthen existing legislation to impose harsher penalties for rape and sexual assault against children. The surge in these cases makes it imperative to ensure the safety of minors and prevent such tragedies from happening again.
