The deputy of the Democratic Left Federation, Omar Balafrej, called for the decriminalization of extramarital relations and homosexuality, by removing Articles 489, 490 and 491 of the Penal Code that go against individual freedoms.
On Wednesday, September 25, in Salé, the Minister of State in charge of Human Rights, Mustapha Ramid, speaking at the opening of the 7th session of the Autumn University, highlighted a flagrant increase in cases of recidivism. According to him, this phenomenon is not limited to criminal policies but also concerns the various public policies to combat crime and its phenomena.
"Outlaws". This is the current status of the writer Leila Slimani and the filmmaker Sonia Terrab. Through a tribune signed by 490 Moroccan women and men in reference to Article 490 of the Penal Code, they are calling on the authorities and public opinion on the issue of individual freedoms, the decriminalization of extramarital sexual relations and abortion.
The legal proceedings for "debauchery" and "clandestine abortion" against Hajar Raïssouni , a 28-year-old journalist for the Arabic-language daily Akhbar Al-Yaoum, reflect the persistence of outdated legislation and the use of women as scapegoats in a country that claims to be modern. For the French newspaper Le Monde, the call of 470 Moroccans for the repeal of laws against abortion and extramarital sex is timely.
The Penal Code will soon be amended to include harsher penalties against persons found guilty of illicit enrichment.
A Moroccan woman accused of contracting a new marriage while she was already married, was arrested on Friday by the police in Meknes.
A Lebanese national suspected of proselytizing near schools was arrested this week in Essaouira.