Since the death of Hassan2, Morocco has undergone some social political and economic changes. The government has declared, " Reforms are the only way." The country that had suffered through the disasters of Hassan 2 “”Iron Fists” has today leaped “Forward” and the country became open to business. And the rich are getting richer while the poor are marginalized. Yet, these social, economic and political changes have not been reflected in other areas of society. The old Followers still tightly control Morocco. No serious dissent is tolerated. Despite the rapid rise of a new entrepreneurial class, political reform is extremely limited. While there is some discussion of human rights, activists who seek justice for real freedom of speech, the disadvantaged or those who do not find favor with the authorities are subject to harassment, intimidation and assault. One of the slowest areas to change is the criminal justice system. Criminal suspects do not enjoy the presumption of innocence. Nor do they have free access to counsel. Defense lawyers are not truly independent and cannot obtain disclosure of the evidence against an accused person until trial, if at all. There is little opportunity to mount a realistic defense to a prosecution. Police and prosecutors enjoy great power with the blessing of the establishment. The courts are not independent arbiters, but are subject to correction by authorities. Judges have little authority to even enforce court orders or to require witnesses to attend court. Conviction rates in criminal cases are approximately 95 per cent. The death penalty is imposed in some cases quickly without open court, public hearing, and full process of law. Yet there is a growing movement to reform the justice system and establish a truly independent, open and honest structure. Good luck to them//en.yabiladi.com/topics/slow-process-44-1325269-1325269.html#msg-1325269 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 18:11:50 +0200 Phorum 5.2.15