The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration has categorically denied allegations presented in a viral video on YouTube, featuring a former inmate claiming that the decision to allow prisoner Nasser Zafzafi to visit his ill father was not within the delegation’s authority, but rather from other entities.
In a clarification statement addressed to the public, the delegation emphasized that these claims reflect “a clear ignorance of the law governing prison institutions.” It noted that Article 218 of Law No. 10.23 related to the organization and management of prison institutions explicitly states that the decision to allow inmates to visit their sick relatives or to attend burial ceremonies of their family members is exclusively the prerogative of the delegation, after obtaining consent from the competent judicial authorities in the case of detainees awaiting trial.
The delegation explained that this procedure falls under the humane treatment of inmates and aims to preserve their family and social ties, highlighting that several prisoners benefited from similar exceptional permits during 2023 and 2024.
Regarding Nasser Zafzafi’s situation, the delegation revealed that he benefited from two exceptional permits: the first on June 30, 2021, to visit his ailing father in a private clinic in Tangier, and the second on January 14, 2024, to visit his grandmother in a clinic in Al Hoceima. It confirmed that such permits are not exceptions granted to specific individuals but are available to all prisoners, including those detained in special cases.
Additionally, the delegation addressed allegations concerning the financial situation of its staff, indicating that a new regulatory framework has been implemented for months, which has allowed for an increase in the compensation of all employees, commensurate with their efforts to ensure the security and safety of prison institutions.
Concerning claims of failing to inform a prisoner about the death of a relative, the delegation stressed that prison administrations quickly notify inmates if they become aware of any such occurrence and provide them with landlines to communicate with their families and inquire about their situations.
