The Attorney General, Head of the Public Prosecution, Hicham Blawi, revealed significant improvements in the management of cases involving detainees. He reported a reduction in pretrial detention rates during certain periods to less than 30% of the total prison population, describing this as an unprecedented achievement in recent years.
This statement was made in a circular addressed to the public prosecutors at the courts of appeal and first instance regarding the topic of “Rationalizing Pretrial Detention”. Blawi attributed this decline to effective coordination within local and regional committees established under a joint circular issued on June 1, 2023, between the Public Prosecution and the Supreme Judicial Council.
The Attorney General emphasized the need to consider the human and constitutional aspects of individual freedoms, urging that pretrial detention should only be used as an exceptional option dictated by utmost necessity to protect the safety of individuals and society.
Despite these positive indicators, Blawi noted a marked increase in the number of pretrial detainees during the summer vacation periods, due to the rise in crime and challenges during the judicial recess, particularly concerning human resources. He called for proactive mobilization and thorough coordination with the court presidency to avoid case backlogs and ensure timely processing.
The circular urged continued efforts to entrench pretrial detention as an exceptional measure and to engage in a balanced judicial practice that fosters trust in the judiciary, through the adoption of legal alternatives and the activation of restorative justice, while adhering to previous relevant circulars.
Blawi also called for heightened vigilance in managing pretrial detainee cases in the upcoming period, ensuring that their files are processed as quickly as possible and taking all necessary coordination measures to address these cases in a reasonable timeframe. He urged the relevant deputies to regularly follow up on these cases, respond promptly to any potential obstacles, and utilize local and regional committee meetings to resolve arising issues.
