Morocco: Imprisoned for eating during Ramadan

The arrest occurred after the suspect caused concern in a popular neighborhood of the capital, threatening to commit a criminal act. Upon the arrival of the agents, the individual was seized by a hysterical crisis, adopting an aggressive attitude and threatening to harm himself. According to the daily newspaper Assabah, the prosecution has charged him with four offenses: public breaking of the fast, drug use, public insults, and criminal threats.

The Moroccan Penal Code provides for strict penalties for this type of offense. The text stipulates that "he who, notoriously known for his belonging to the Muslim religion, ostentatiously breaks the fast in a public place during the time of Ramadan, without a reason accepted by this religion, is punished by imprisonment of one to six months." The authorities found that the suspect was eating in broad daylight while insulting the patrol.

During his interrogation, the person concerned acknowledged the facts recorded in an official report "which he signed of his own free will." He also denounced his drug supplier, triggering a search procedure. Presented before the judge of flagrante delicto, the defendant claimed to suffer from health problems preventing him from fasting, while acknowledging his Muslim faith and his difficult social conditions.

The court ordered his transfer to the El Arjat 2 prison pending his trial, postponed to next Thursday to allow the preparation of his defense. Despite his medical justifications, the prosecution justified his detention by the seriousness of the acts, including the threats of murder in public and the use of illicit substances.