Rabat Hosts a National Training Course on the Istanbul Protocol for Forensic Doctors
This Monday, July 7, 2025, the Presidency of the Public Prosecution launched a national training course in Rabat for forensic doctors on “The Istanbul Protocol: Using Forensic Evidence in Investigating Claims of Torture.”
The course is supervised by Hicham Blawi, the Attorney General at the Court of Cassation and President of the Public Prosecution, and is organized in partnership with the Higher Judicial Council, with support from the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance.
This initiative is part of the national program to strengthen institutional capacities in combating torture and extends from four previous regional courses held in Rabat, Marrakech, Tangier, and Fez, which involved hundreds of judges, judicial police members, representatives from the General Delegation for Prison Administration, and the National Human Rights Council.
In his opening speech, Blawi emphasized Morocco’s commitment to combating torture, highlighting the country’s ratification of the United Nations Convention in 1993, its accession to the Optional Protocol in 2014, and the establishment of the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture in 2019.
The Attorney General stressed the importance of this course for forensic doctors, considering them key actors in documenting torture and preparing expert reports according to international standards, particularly the updated Istanbul Protocol, due to its scientific role in assessing physical and psychological harm resulting from torture.
He also urged for the adoption of continuous training and exchange of experiences as a lever to enhance the performance of justice, asserting that protecting rights is not just about enforcing the law, but also involves training professionals and modernizing work mechanisms.
The opening session was attended by representatives from the Higher Judicial Council, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Geneva Center for Security Sector Governance, as well as national and international judges and experts.
The course will continue for four days, featuring international experts who contributed to the revision of the Istanbul Protocol, addressing the scientific and practical aspects of employing forensic medicine in investigating cases of torture and ill-treatment.
