Assahafa.com
The adoption of Law 43.22 on alternative sentencing marks a “historic turning point” in Morocco’s judicial system, Head of the Council of Europe Office in Morocco Carmen Morte Gomez said on Wednesday in Rabat.
Speaking at the opening of a study day organized by the Presidency of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, under the theme “Alternative sentences to custodial sentences: toward optimal implementation of Law 43.22”, Morte Gomez highlighted the importance of this law, which is part of a clear shift toward restorative justice and the social reintegration of convicts.
“This law reflects Morocco’s commitment to the principles enshrined in its Constitution, particularly those relating to the protection of human rights and human dignity,” she stressed during this two-day event held in partnership with the Council of Europe and in coordination with the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration.
The European official noted that the law, to take effect in August, is an appropriate response to social, economic, and political transformations of Moroccan society.
She added that the adoption of this legislation will help reduce prison overcrowding and improve prison conditions, in addition to promoting effective alternatives to minimize the risks of reoffending. Morte Gomez also recalled the support provided by the Council of Europe Office, alongside the European Union, through the joint “MA-JUST” program which seeks to strengthen justice systems in the Kingdom.
The aims of the event is to raise awareness among judges concerning alternative sentencing in Morocco’s penal policy, to learn about experiences from Council of Europe countries in this area, and to determine the roles of various parties involved in monitoring and implementing these sentences.
Source: map
