A Moroccan party proposes to impose heavier prison sentences on child sexual abuse convicts

Moroccan MPs have responded to the increasing numbers of child rape cases in Morocco with a bill that urges toughening the prison sentences and fines against convicted pedophiles. The legislative initiative, tabled on October 5, was submitted by members of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) in the House of Representatives.  

In a statement submitted alongside the bill in question, the party insisted that the country should «not tolerate child sexual abuse, and have to create firm judicial processes against the aggressors and whoever dares to rape a child».

They also find that «the current penal arsenal is incapable of deterring perpetrators of child sexual abuse». Moreover, PPS party MPs believe that the latter «limits the judiciary to imposing the most severe penalties appropriate for the heinous criminal act which threatens society». In this context, they explain that «the legislator is now obliged to intervene to put an end to the continuous manifestations of violence, abuse and sexual exploitation of children by putting in place coercive provisions».

Heavier prison sentences

In detail, PPS party MPs propose to revise article 484 of the 2011 penal code, which sentences from «two to five years in prison, any indecent assault done or attempted without violence, against a minor under the age of eighteen, an incapacitated person, a disabled person or of a person known for their challenged mental capacities». PPS elected officials suggest that the sentence must be between 10 years and 20 years for the aforementioned crimes.

They also want to amend article 485 which sentences from «10 to 20 years» in prison the perpetrators of the crime of rape with violence on «a child under eighteen years, an incapacitated person, a disabled person, or a person known for their challemged mental capacities». PPS elected representatives propose a sentence of 20 to 30 years and fines ranging from 100,000 to 500,000 dirhams.

For the culprits having a family tie with the victims, the bill recommends reviewing the penalties cited in article 486 of the penal code. They recommend life imprisonment in this kind of crimes.