Morocco Prosecutes 84 for Public Fast-Breaking During Ramadan

Eighty-four people were brought before the courts for publicly breaking the fast during the year 2023. These prosecutions concern 84 separate cases. Article 222 of the Penal Code strictly regulates this practice.

This law stipulates that a person known to be of the Muslim faith, breaking the fast in public and without legitimate reason during Ramadan, is liable to sanctions. These are prison sentences ranging from one to six months, as well as fines that can reach 120 dirhams.

The annual report also mentions prosecutions for insulting the flag and attacking national symbols. Twenty-four individuals were involved in these procedures, divided into 22 cases.

Article 122 of the Moroccan Penal Code states:

"Whoever, 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 admitted by this religion, shall be punished by imprisonment of one to six months and a fine of 12 to 120 dirhams."