Morocco to Introduce Electronic Monitoring as Alternative to Pre-Trial Detention

Morocco wants to translate into action its willingness to limit the sharp increase in the number of people in pre-trial detention. One of the provisions of the draft law on the Criminal Procedure Code is "judicial supervision which will be carried out by means of an electronic bracelet placed on the wrist, leg or other part of the body of the person concerned, in order to allow control of his movements within the territorial limits determined by the investigating judge."

This new procedure implies that a minor can be placed under electronic surveillance, subject to the consent of his guardian, guarantor or the person who takes care of him. At the request of the person concerned, the investigating judge may decide to submit him to a medical examination to verify the effect of the electronic bracelet on his health. It will be up to the judicial police officers to affix this restriction on the body of the accused and to follow him, and they may request the assistance of specialists in this operation. The technical specifications of this restriction will be the subject of a regulatory text to be promulgated later.