Strengthening Coordination in Criminal Justice Reform
Hicham Blawi, the Prosecutor General at Morocco’s Court of Cassation and head of the Public Prosecution, emphasized the critical importance of effective collaboration between the Public Prosecution and police forces in successfully implementing recent reforms to the Criminal Procedure Code. Speaking at a national coordination meeting in Marrakech on July 2-3, 2026, he highlighted that a unified understanding and consistent application of these legislative changes are essential for ensuring effective criminal investigations while safeguarding rights and freedoms.
Enhancing Institutional Cooperation
Blawi remarked that this meeting represents a significant step forward in strengthening institutional cooperation among the components of the criminal justice system. It aims to improve the efficiency of investigations and enhance coordination mechanisms that uphold legal security and maintain public order while consistently respecting citizens’ rights. The collaboration established between the Public Prosecution, Directorate General of National Security, and Gendarmerie Royale has already led to noteworthy achievements, including the development of a practical guide aimed at improving criminal investigations.
Positive Indicators for Criminal Investigations
During his address, Blawi shared encouraging statistics from 2025, revealing that 92% of ongoing complaints in front of Public Prosecutors were completed, alongside a 104% success rate in dealing with registered cases. This has significantly reduced backlog issues. Furthermore, 93% of active reports were processed, and over 74,000 search warrants were canceled after thorough reviews in coordination with judicial police, reflecting ongoing efforts to update legal statuses while emphasizing the necessity of reasonable timeframes.
Balancing Crime Fighting and Rights Protection
Blawi stressed that the amendments introduced by Law No. 03.23 are not only significant for their legal content but for their effective practical implementation. Striking a balance between crime prevention and protecting rights and freedoms is paramount, as the quality of criminal investigations directly affects the legality of evidence and the integrity of judicial proceedings. He underscored that the effectiveness of these legal reforms is also tied to upholding values of integrity, neutrality, responsibility, and professional ethics among all actors in the criminal justice system.
Actionable Recommendations for Future Success
In closing, Blawi urged the participants to formulate actionable and implementable recommendations that will help standardize the application of the new provisions. He called for enhanced training and coordination at the central, regional, and local levels to reinforce a unified professional practice and improve the quality of criminal investigations, ultimately fortifying the rule of law.
