Rabat – Morocco has issued a total of 670 rulings related to alternative sentences by December 24 since the new system officially came into force on August 22, according to data from the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration (DGAPR).
These rulings were divided into different types of alternative punishments. The largest share concerned daily fines, with 325 rulings issued, SNRT News reported. This was followed by 189 rulings for community service, where convicted persons work for the public benefit instead of serving prison time.
In addition, 179 rulings involved restricting certain rights or imposing monitoring, treatment, rehabilitation, or supervisory measures. As for electronic monitoring, the least used option so far, only seven rulings were recorded nationwide.
The DGAPR said it took several steps to ensure the proper implementation of Law No. 43.22 on alternative sentences. These measures included contributing to the drafting of the implementing decree, taking part in conferences and study days organized with the Ministry of Justice, the Public Prosecution, and the High Council of the Judiciary.
The delegation also organized a study day for prison directors on April 18 and designated 58 prison institutions to monitor the execution of alternative sentences. In cities with more than one prison, only one institution was assigned this task to ensure better coordination.
To support this process, the DGAPR mobilized human resources from within the prison system and launched a training program in early June to prepare staff for their new responsibilities. Several employees were reassigned to specialized units responsible for monitoring alternative sentences.
The delegation also developed a practical guide and official forms to support implementation, alongside an integrated information system to manage and track alternative penalties.
The new law triggered a heated debate in Morocco. Many criticized the law, arguing that resorting to fines instead of prison time favors financially comfortable people who can pay their way out of prison for committing crimes.
