In a historic approach aimed at consolidating the rule of law and enshrining the principles of fundamental rights and freedoms, Abdellatif Ouahbi, Minister of Justice presented, on January 22, 2025, before the Commission on Justice, Legislation and Human Rights Man in the House of Representatives, bill n°03.23 amending and supplementing law n°22.01 relating to criminal procedure. This project is part of an ambitious reformist vision and consistent with Morocco’s international commitments in terms of human rights.
During his speech, the Minister of Justice affirmed that this project reflects a modern and bold approach, designed to meet the requirements of more effective justice and increased protection of individual rights. He declared: “This text goes beyond the simple framework of legislative reform. It embodies our nation’s unwavering desire to build a fair, efficient and humane judicial system, which protects the rights of all while rigorously fighting crime, while respecting the fundamental values of dignity and justice. »
The major innovations of the project focus on several axes. First, the strengthening of guarantees for a fair trial. New measures will allow the defense to benefit from a lawyer from the first hours of custody. The police custody procedure will be modernized and better supervised, including the introduction of audiovisual recordings of interrogations for greater transparency. In addition, decisions on pre-trial detention will be subject to strict and well-defined criteria.
The protection of victims and minors is another essential pillar. The draft proposes a series of measures aimed at ensuring that the best interests of children are taken into account at each stage of the procedure. Victims will benefit from enhanced support through dedicated social assistance services, providing psychological and legal assistance.
-Regarding the fight against crime, technology will be used. Monitoring of financial flows and infiltration of organized criminal networks will be intensified to increase efficiency. At the same time, international judicial cooperation will be strengthened to address the challenges of transnational crime.
Finally, the project aims to simplify and accelerate legal procedures. This includes the expansion of offenses that can be resolved through conciliation, with simplified procedures. The integration of digital tools will play a key role in reducing processing times and ensuring increased efficiency of procedures.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing that this bill marks a decisive step forward in the process of modernizing Moroccan justice. “This text represents much more than a technical reform. It embodies a bold vision and a promise of modern justice, close to citizens, capable of protecting the most vulnerable while ensuring an effective fight against the threats weighing on our society. This is a solemn commitment to justice serving all,” he stressed.
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