Morocco Plans DNA Database to Aid Criminal Investigations

During an oral question session in the House of Representatives on Monday, Abdellatif Ouahbi explained that this genetic database will also make it possible to determine the offenses subject to fingerprinting, rather than leaving it open, so that DNA is not taken and stored absolutely. In addition, a centralized legal framework will be put in place to regulate this issue. The minister also said that his department has engaged in discussions with the Royal Gendarmerie and the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) to coordinate efforts on this genetic database. Judges living abroad have also been contacted to cooperate in order to ensure the success of the process, he said. "A law regulating the use of genetic fingerprints will be ready by the end of the year," he specified.

During the parliamentary session, the minister also mentioned the challenges facing forensic autopsies, including a severe shortage of forensic pathologists. The latter receive meager compensation. According to him, a forensic pathologist only receives 100 dirhams (10 dollars) per autopsy. To meet these challenges, Ouahbi said his department has set up a committee exclusively dedicated to the training of new forensic pathologists. Already 158 students are in training to become forensic pathologists.