Social networks have been echoed for several weeks of diametrically opposed reactions as to the content and application of article 507 of the Moroccan Penal Code.
Yet as old or almost as a Jean Levis, the article in question provides for “that any person found guilty of theft, if he or one of his accomplices is carrying a weapon – whether visible or concealed – is liable to life imprisonment. This provision applies even in the absence of aggravating or victim circumstances. It can also extend to cases where a weapon is simply found in a vehicle used to commit the offense or to flee the premises ”.
For the overwhelming majority of Moroccans, the hardening announced by the minister of Justice for the application of sentences relating to the wearing of white weapons, is excellent news, which must somewhat change the minister of guardianship accustomed to being heckled. Why rejoice? Because public space is not sure for our women, nor for our children, or for our elders, not even for workers who occupy it, as long as in an almost systematic and generalized manner in the territory, stabbing attacks multiply with incredible violence and are as many victims, even in schools.
In reality, the position of public opinion like that of the State is made of common sense; A stabb has no other vocation than to serve an assault, no excuse is therefore tolerable.
However, is the imprisonment of perpetuity or even penalties from 10 to 15 years old, if they are really applied? If article 507 exists but its application does not resorb the problem that it is supposed to send, it is simply useless. The severity of the act punishes and the sentence are to be measured by those who take the risk, it is not up to the company to pay the price. Like nuclear weapons or even the death penalty, deterrence is the main objective of the ultimate sanction, and it is generally up to the magnitude of the problem.
OK so for the security of public space, citizens and respect for the framework set by law. But what about the actors of this double -edged delinquency? According to HCP data, the unemployment rate of young people aged 15 to 24 in Morocco reached 36.7 % in 2024.
Fortunately, these unemployed young people are neither a monolithic block, nor all offenders. But, a bit like in a horde of football supporters, it is enough that the worm is in the apple to rot the fruit in its entirety. The ultras of many Moroccan clubs also denounce an abusive use by the authorities or even targeted of their members through this article, but the argument has trouble passing.
Approaching the major deadlines of the CAN 2025 and the 2030 world Cup, the authorities are cleaning up and announces the color because football will be at the heart of what Morocco will project to the rest of the world. And, as in Italy, England, Germany, Spain, France, almost all of the great football nations, which are familiar with the excess of testosterone that causes the round ball, it is time to be to be raised before it is too late. Especially since ultras know how to provoke much more positive feelings when they provide chills to round ball enthusiasts by deploying tifos and songs.
That said, violence in stages, on the outskirts and more generally in the street feeds with a much less pink societal reality than presents it too often. The reality of idleness and disenchantment of a part of our youth, which breaks or aggresses, is the mirror of many collective failures, from the education of parents to that of the educational institution, society and rulers, but also to leave on behalf of the development that our country knows and which does not benefit all in the same way, proof if it is.
So, we can tighten the screws as much as we want, and we can only rejoice in the effectiveness of the authorities to act for the security of the greatest number. But only one hand, as hard be it, is not enough to applaud because the same causes produce the same effects. How many generations of young people can ourselves still be sacrificed? What to do to prevent rather than cure? 507 solutions proposals would be welcome and would not be too much.
Zouhair Yata
