Belgian Man’s Rape Conviction in Morocco Overturned, New Trial Set

The Moroccan Court of Cassation had annulled in mid-March the verdict of the Meknes Court of Appeal. "According to the Court of Cassation, the judge’s decision was not properly reasoned," explains Joris Van Maele, the lawyer for the Belgian Marc Moerman, 59, imprisoned in Morocco for almost two years for acts of sexual abuse. "It was based solely on the false statements of the ex-wife and not on solid evidence. There was also talk of an audio recording in which my client allegedly confesses to things. But that is absolutely not true. The Moroccan police did not even listen to the recording, but asked his ex-wife to describe what was on the tape. It’s absolutely outrageous." Consequently, a new trial should open soon in Morocco. "We were told in September, but we don’t have an exact date yet. Of course, we will plead for acquittal," adds the defense quoted by kw.be.

The man from Bruges’ family expresses great relief. "Finally, we have hope again," says his sister. "Marc is living in prison under a very strict regime and is destroyed by loneliness. He can’t talk to anyone because he doesn’t master the language. Fortunately, he can read books. My mother and my other brother were able to talk to Marc for two hours in February, but I haven’t seen him in almost two years.