Morocco Edges Closer to Abolishing the Death Penalty
Morocco has taken a significant step towards ending capital punishment, aligning itself with the growing global trend against the death penalty. Justice Minister Abdel Latif Ouahbi recently announced the country’s formal agreement to halt executions, a move he credits to the current government. This decision marks a pivotal moment in Morocco’s human rights journey.
While the death penalty remains technically legal in Morocco, it hasn’t been carried out since 1993. The last execution was that of a police chief, Hajj Thabit, convicted of a series of sexual assault and rape crimes in Casablanca. This de facto moratorium has now been solidified by the government’s commitment to a UN mechanism suspending executions for two years. This commitment reflects a global shift in perspective on capital punishment. According to Amnesty International, 144 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice as of 2022. This growing consensus recognizes the inherent flaws and irreversible nature of capital punishment.
Ouahbi expressed hope that this two-year suspension will pave the way for complete abolition, a sentiment echoed by many human rights organizations. However, the path to full abolition is not without its complexities. The Justice Minister acknowledged that discussions surrounding the death penalty’s inclusion in the long-awaited draft penal code are ongoing. He reiterated his commitment to finalizing the code before the government’s term ends in 2026, highlighting the progress made in the three years of ongoing debate.
This move towards abolition comes at a time when the world is increasingly questioning the effectiveness and morality of the death penalty. There is no conclusive evidence that the death penalty deters crime more effectively than other punishments. Furthermore, the risk of executing innocent individuals is a grave concern. Organizations like the Death Penalty Information Center in the US have documented numerous cases of wrongful convictions overturned after execution.
The current prison population in Morocco includes 88 individuals sentenced to death, including one woman. This number, however, was significantly higher before 161 death row inmates had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment through royal pardons. This highlights the ongoing dialogue surrounding the issue and the potential for further legal reforms.
Morocco’s decision to halt executions is a significant step towards a more just and humane legal system. It reflects a growing global understanding of the importance of human rights and the inherent dignity of all individuals, even those who have committed serious crimes. While the future of the death penalty in Morocco remains subject to ongoing debate, the current government’s commitment to a moratorium represents a beacon of hope for eventual abolition. This move aligns Morocco with a growing international community committed to upholding human rights and seeking alternatives to capital punishment.
