Morocco Celebrates 71st Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People with Royal Pardon
Morocco Celebrates 71st Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People with Royal Pardon
The 71st anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People in Morocco was marked by a powerful display of compassion and forward-thinking leadership. King Mohammed VI granted a royal pardon to 685 individuals convicted by various courts across the kingdom. This act of clemency, deeply rooted in the values of the national celebration, offered a fresh start to hundreds of people.
The announcement, made by the Ministry of Justice, detailed the scope of the pardon. Of the 685 individuals, 548 were incarcerated, with the pardon encompassing a range of sentences:
15 individuals received a reduction in their remaining prison sentences.
529 individuals were granted full release from prison.
* 4 individuals had their life sentences commuted to fixed-term sentences.
The remaining 137 beneficiaries were not in custody at the time of the pardon. Their sentences, ranging from fines to imprisonment, were also either reduced or completely waived.
This year’s celebration took on added significance with a separate pardon extended to 4,831 individuals convicted of cannabis-related offenses. This decision reflects a progressive shift in Morocco’s approach to cannabis cultivation and aligns with the recent establishment of the National Agency for the Regulation of Cannabis Activities (ANRAC).
This agency, created in 2021, aims to oversee the legal production and sale of cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial purposes. [You could link to an article or resource about ANRAC here]. This move towards a regulated market is expected to generate economic opportunities, particularly in rural areas, and curb the illicit drug trade.
The royal pardon, particularly for those involved in cannabis-related offenses, underscores a commitment to social and economic progress. By offering a path to reintegration, the pardon allows individuals to contribute to the evolving cannabis industry and the nation’s overall development.
The anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People serves as a powerful reminder of the values of patriotism, resistance, and sacrifice that continue to shape modern Morocco. This year, the celebration was made even more meaningful by the King’s act of grace, demonstrating a commitment to justice, compassion, and a brighter future for all citizens.