The justice legislation and human rights commission at the House of Representatives held last Tuesday, September 19, 2023, a meeting presided over by President of the commission MP Mr. Said Serar; the meeting was attended by Minister of Justice Mr. Abdellatif Ouahbi, and was devoted to discuss details of the project bill articles number 10.23 related to organization and management of penitentiary establishments in Morocco.
At the beginning of the meeting, a written document containing the opinion of the National Council for Human Rights about the project bill, and which was drafted at the request of the House President on July 7, 2023.
Members of the commission have made several proposals aimed at improving the bill and have asked about measures to be taken concerning convicted prisoners or those in police custody, stressing the necessity to take into account prisoners’ rights in accordance to Nelson Mandela’s foundations, to international agreements and to national legislative texts.
Interveners have highlighted that the project bill is considered as very advanced in view of its flexible measures and that amendments being proposed will fill up some shortcomings.
Minister of Justice has made some important clarifications in responding to MPs questions and has welcomed the proposals being submitted confirming that the Ministry will interact positively with proposals and amendments aimed at improving the text and its provisions.
Finally, members of the commission have agreed upon the date of September 27, 2023 as a deadline to include amendments to the project bill number 10.23 related to the organization and management of penitentiary establishments.