Moroccan Man Sentenced for Public Eating During Ramadan, Sparking Debate

This sentence handed down by the court of first instance of Marrakech has once again provoked a reaction from civil society. Interviewed by the local site kech24, human rights activist Omar Arbib said that the person prosecuted had seen his trial postponed several times before the final decision was handed down by the court.

According to the activist, two other people are currently being prosecuted for the same acts. They were arrested at the beginning of the week by the police for eating in public during the Ramadan fast.

In Morocco, according to Article 222 of the Penal Code, anyone "known for his belonging to the Muslim religion, and who ostensibly breaks the fast in a public place during the time of Ramadan, without a reason admitted by this religion, is punished with imprisonment of one to six months". This sentence is accompanied by a fine that can reach 120 dirhams (12 euros).