The Public Prosecution Office has denied the allegations of confessions extracted under duress in connection with the files linked to the recent violent and destructive events during unauthorized protests that took place in several Moroccan cities at the end of September.
Judge Hassan Farhan, residing at the Public Prosecution Office, confirmed during a communication meeting with media on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, that all stages of investigation and trial were conducted in strict compliance with the law, emphasizing that the sentences were issued in reasonable timeframes without any haste, while taking into account the rights of the accused and ensuring fair trial guarantees.
He explained that the cases still pending before the courts are largely due to defense requests for additional time to prepare their pleas, while public prosecutors continue to follow up on other cases that are still under investigation. He highlighted that the prosecution’s handling of these events represented a balance between enforcing the law and preserving rights, affirming that the goal was to protect public order and property within the framework of a state governed by law.
Official data showed that thousands of individuals were arrested in connection with these events, with about 3,300 released after confirming their lack of involvement in criminal acts, while 2,480 were presented before public prosecutors in various cities across the kingdom after being found involved in acts of violence and vandalism, including 959 released and 1,473 detained, with proceedings shelved against 48 suspects.
The arrests included several minors who were handed over to their guardians according to laws governing the prosecution of juveniles.
Judge Farhan indicated that investigations revealed the involvement of some detainees in serious offenses such as arson, road blockage, and assault on public forces, leading to material damage and injuries. He affirmed that security interventions were conducted in accordance with the law and within the powers granted to them to protect lives and property.
Regarding the penalties, the Public Prosecution Office mentioned that sentences ranged from one to fifteen years in prison, despite some acts being punishable by up to twenty years, clarifying that courts took mitigating circumstances into account, considering the social situations of the defendants and the absence of prior criminal records.
Statistical data revealed that the primary courts issued 30 verdicts, representing 11.4% of the total cases, while four acquittals were made at the appellate courts. Additionally, 83% of the sentences issued against youths resulted in their delivery to their guardians, considering their best interests.
