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The Director General of the Prison Administration revealed today, Tuesday, before the Justice, Legislation, and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives, detailed plans regarding the budget project for the General Delegation for the fiscal year 2026, highlighting key developments from the current year and the planned reforms.
The Director General emphasized that 2025 witnessed significant legislative momentum in line with the royal vision aimed at establishing a state of law and rights. He pointed out the implementation of Law 43.22 related to alternative penalties and what it represents as a qualitative shift in the philosophy of criminal justice. He clarified that the Delegation is now tasked with monitoring the implementation of these penalties, stressing that they are not a magic solution to the issue of overcrowding, despite their human and reformative aspects.
The Director noted that the number of prisoners reached 98,692 by the end of October, having temporarily decreased to 90,000 following a royal pardon benefiting 17,258 individuals on the occasion of Throne Day. He argued that the continued increase necessitates a more rational penal policy and better coordination among various justice actors.
He highlighted the issuance of the new law regulating prisons (10.23) and the special statute for prison staff, considering it a significant achievement for the fairness of workers in this sector. He also announced the establishment of new directorates, including one for the execution of alternative penalties, as part of restructuring the Delegation and enhancing governance and accountability.
Concerning the improvement of detention conditions, the Director revealed substantial progress in the construction and renovation of prisons, including new facilities in Al Hoceima, Chichaoua, Laarjat, and Ben Guerir, along with the closure of the old Ain Bourja prison. He stated that the Delegation is working to improve nutrition, equipment, and health services, with the number of medical units rising to 60, and a new dialysis unit opened at Tamesna prison, while the challenge of providing doctors in prisons persists.
Regarding integration programs, he reported an increase in the number of educational beneficiaries to 8,860 prisoners, including 962 who obtained their baccalaureate with a success rate of 53.44%. He announced the launch of the first university track within Moroccan prisons titled “Excellence Degree in Cinema and Human Integration,” in partnership with Qs Ibn Tufail University.
In the field of vocational training, the number of beneficiaries reached 8,229 prisoners across various trades, while more than 4,000 inmates benefited from catering training, in addition to the launch of new traditional crafts programs involving 832 beneficiaries.
The Director also reviewed the outcomes of rehabilitation and cultural programs, notably “University in Prisons,” “Summer Forum for Youth,” and the “Reconciliation Program,” which has encompassed 412 inmates since its inception, along with the “No Recidivism in Prisons” program, which has reduced the recidivism rate to only 4% among participants.
He concluded his presentation by affirming the Delegation’s ongoing commitment to implementing its strategic plan for 2022-2026, with adjustments to its directions to keep up with new transformations, reiterating the Delegation’s pledge to continue reforms and enhance the human and rights dimension in managing prison affairs in the kingdom.
