Rabat – Courts across Morocco have started applying alternative sentences since the new law came into effect on August 22. By September 4, a total of 107 rulings had been issued across the country.
According to official data, the rulings included 40 sentences of community service, 46 sentences of daily fines, and 25 rulings requiring offenders to report regularly to police, gendarmerie, or prison authorities, SNRT News reported.
Courts also ordered three offenders to continue studies or vocational training, seven to undergo treatment for reintegration, and four to wear electronic monitoring bracelets.
In addition, judges issued five decisions to carry out social investigations into offenders and their families, conducted by police or gendarmerie.
Conditions for applying alternative sentences
The law states that these measures apply only to minor crimes punishable by up to five years in prison. They cannot be used in cases of repeat offenders, or for crimes such as terrorism, corruption, embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, military crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking, or sexual exploitation of minors and people with disabilities.
Daily fines range from MAD 100 to 2,000 ($10-$200) per day of the original prison sentence. Courts take into account the financial situation of the offender before deciding the amount. Offenders are required to pay within six months, with the possibility of an extension or payment in installments.
Community service can be ordered for offenders aged 15 and above, and the work is unpaid. It is carried out for the benefit of state institutions, local governments, public bodies, charities, or places of worship.
The law also allows for electronic monitoring, with the court setting the location and duration. If an offender removes or damages the device, they face up to three months in prison or a fine between MAD 2,000 ($200) and 5,000 ($500).
Other alternative measures include restrictions on certain rights, mandatory professional activities, studying or training, living in a specific place, or being banned from certain areas.
The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR) said it has taken steps to follow up on these sentences. This includes creating a national electronic monitoring platform, providing electronic bracelets, and training staff to oversee alternative sentences.
However, the DGAPR stated that the summer holiday period slowed down coordination with other sectors, which are necessary partners in implementing these measures. Despite this, the delegation said it will speed up coordination in the coming days to fully enforce the new law.
