The new law on criminal procedure comes into effect today, marking a decisive step in establishing a state of law and modernizing justice in Morocco. Published in the official gazette on September 8, this law represents a pivotal moment in the reform of the justice system, translating the political will aimed at consolidating the rule of law under the leadership of King Mohammed VI.
This law responds to royal directives calling for the modernization of criminal policy and ensuring effective justice that protects rights and freedoms, in line with the spirit of the 2011 Constitution, which places citizen protection at the heart of democratic building.
The new text allows for significant transformations, including the enhancement of fair trial guarantees, the fortification of defense rights, and the expansion of legal assistance. It also mandates informing suspects of their rights and enabling them to communicate with a lawyer during preliminary detention, including provision for translation where necessary.
Additionally, the law limits pre-trial detention, confining it to exceptional cases, requiring judges to justify incarceration decisions, and adopting modern precautionary alternatives. Victims’ rights are also expanded through notification mechanisms, support measures, and specific provisions for women and children victims of violence. A new National Observatory for Crime has been established to provide accurate data to guide criminal policy on scientific grounds.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi stated that the implementation of this law is “a central pillar in the profound reform underway in the Kingdom,” asserting that Morocco is now more capable of implementing significant reforms that position its justice system as a model regionally and internationally.
Ouahbi highlighted that the government is banking on justice reform as a fundamental element in enhancing Morocco’s appeal in the coming years, especially with the Kingdom preparing to host the World Cup in 2030.
The minister affirmed that the reform of the criminal procedure is “not merely a technical amendment to a procedural law but rather a civilizational choice,” reflecting the state’s commitment to achieving a careful balance between preserving freedoms and enhancing the effectiveness of criminal deterrence.
This text is the result of a wide participatory process that brought together various institutions and bodies, reinforcing citizens’ trust in justice and giving a new impetus to the human rights trajectory in Morocco, aligning with the aspirations of the new development model and the Kingdom’s vision for 2030.
