Morocco : “Exceptional family visits” to prisoners in all penitentiaries from March 1st until April 12 (GCPAR)
In view of Morocco’s epidemical situation improvement within all regions, and in light of the few and sporadic cases recorded among new arriving prisoners inside prison institutions during the last four months – most of whom were subject to the treatment protocol in hospitals, and are now completely cure of any new infections related to the virus – and in the interest of the General Commission to preserve family and social ties for all prisoners, especially with the approaching of Ramadan, given the spiritual and humanitarian dimensions this holy month represents;
The General Commission for Prison Administration and Reintegration (GCPAR) has decided to allow exceptional family visits for the benefit of prisoners in all institutions, seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays, starting from March 1st until April 12, 2021. During this period, visitors will be permitted a one-time visit to their relatives inside the said institutions (2 visitors at a time). Children will also be allowed to visit their connected relatives accompanied by a family member to whom permission was previously granted.
In order for this process to be successful, all prisoners will be able to contact their families as to inform them about the specific dates for visits, while other related visits will be scheduled during school holidays, including Saturdays and Sundays, so that prisoners (Parents serving sentences) get to see their children separately; all within the capacities of each prison institution.
And, in the prospect of enabling such visits within the aforementioned period, the General Commission for Prison Administration and Reintegration calls upon all visitors and prisoners to respect the scheduled dates for visits and to adhere to the health and preventive measures in force in regards to dealing with the Corona epidemic outbreak, mainly in terms of wearing masks, keeping social distancing, and using sterilization materials.
