Moroccan women's rights group calls for justice reform after assault case

Ya Biladi

31-05-2025

The Democratic Association of Moroccan Women (ADFM) has expressed its «deep regret» and «serious concern» over the two-month sentence handed down by the Mechra Bel Ksiri court of first instance in a case of physical assault against a woman. The victim, attacked with a sharp object, was left permanently disfigured and incapacitated for 35 days.
In a statement received by Yabiladi, the ADFM emphasized that this case is not isolated, but part of a broader pattern in which women—particularly those in socially and economically vulnerable situations—are subjected to various forms of violence without meaningful access to justice.
«While victims struggle to navigate the justice system, prove harm through material evidence, and cope with complex, costly, and psychologically taxing procedures, the courts frequently hand down lenient, non-deterrent sentences that undermine women's trust in a legal system that perpetuates impunity», the NGO warned.
The association stressed that the lack of clear and specific criminal provisions addressing gender-based violence in the current Penal Code—along with the limitations and shortcomings of Law 103.13—pose significant barriers to effectively protecting women.
The ADFM is calling for a comprehensive reform of criminal policy to ensure the principle of non-impunity, provide swift responses to cases of violence, and eliminate discriminatory provisions that weaken victims' legal standing.
The association further recommends that the Penal Code revision include explicit and strict provisions criminalizing all forms of violence against women, including physical violence resulting in disability, psychological and moral abuse, sexual violence (including marital rape), and economic violence.
Moreover, the ADFM asserts that there can be no true reform of the Penal Code without establishing a fair criminal justice system that recognizes victims, holds offenders accountable, and guarantees women's right to physical and psychological safety.
Finally, the association reaffirmed its solidarity with all women victims of violence and reiterated its commitment to legislative action in favor of stronger legal protections for women, restoring public trust in the justice system, and making the fight against violence a societal and institutional priority.