Rabat – The prison authority in Morocco has announced that prisons across the country will celebrate Eid Al Adha this year without the traditional animal sacrifice.
The decision was made in line with King Mohammed VI’s directives not to perform the sacrifice this year.
The prison authority said in a statement that its facilities across the country will offer inmates a special food program to mark the holiday.
In addition, prisoners will be allowed visits from their families starting the Monday after Eid. Foreign prisoners can also receive visits from diplomatic and consular representatives.
However, inmates will not be allowed to receive food packages during this period.
Morocco will celebrate the religious holiday on Saturday, June 7. But unlike previous Eids, Moroccans will not be performing the traditional animal sacrifice.
King Mohammed VI announced the decision in February, in response to a severe six-year drought that has significantly reduced livestock numbers and increased meat prices.
The King said that performing the sacrifice under these challenging conditions would cause harm to large segments of the population, particularly those with limited income.
In place of the traditional sacrifice, the royal palace will conduct a symbolic act of sacrifice on behalf of the nation.
The government has also implemented measures to support the livestock sector, including suspending import duties and VAT on livestock and red meat, and securing agreements to import 100,000 sheep from Australia to stabilize meat prices.
Eid Al Adha, also known
