The Governing Council follows a presentation on the major new features of the draft revision of the law relating to criminal procedure
Rabat – The Government Council followed, on Thursday, a presentation on the major developments of the draft revision of the law relating to criminal procedure, presented by the Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi.
This revision project comes as part of the continued implementation of the reform of the justice system and the modernization of the national legal system, for which HM King Mohammed VI has continued to call on several occasions, indicated the Minister responsible for Relations with Parliament, government spokesperson, Mustapha Baitas, during a press briefing following the Council meeting.
He underlined the importance of this legislative project as a main lever of the criminal justice system, as well as its close link with the protection of rights and freedoms, the fight against crime and the guarantee of individual security.
The presentation also reviewed the main novelties and the main axes of the revision project mainly concerning the strengthening of fair trial guarantees, the consolidation of the rights of the defense, the guarantee of the effectiveness of criminal justice mechanisms and their modernization, as well as the development and strengthening of crime-fighting mechanisms.
It also focused on the establishment of legal regulations governing penal policy, new developments aimed at rationalizing preventive detention, the simplification of criminal formalities and procedures, the strengthening of international judicial cooperation and electronic means in matters fighting crime.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Recent Criminal Procedure Reforms in Morocco
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen quite an impactful presentation by Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi regarding the draft revision of the law relating to criminal procedure in Morocco. Could you start by summarizing the key changes proposed in this draft?
Legal Expert: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The revisions aim to modernize Morocco’s criminal procedure, making it more transparent and accessible. Key changes include enhanced rights for defendants, clearer guidelines for the collection of evidence, and improved procedures for the interview of witnesses. This is a significant step toward aligning with international standards for fair trial rights.
Editor: That sounds promising. Many people are concerned about how such changes will affect the current judicial landscape. What do you think will be the immediate impact of these revisions?
Legal Expert: The immediate impact will likely be multifaceted. On one hand, ensuring defendants have better access to legal representation could reduce wrongful convictions. On the other hand, the judiciary may face challenges as they adapt to these new guidelines. There will be an essential need for training judicial staff to implement these changes effectively.
Editor: You mentioned alignment with international standards. How do these proposed changes compare with norms in other countries?
Legal Expert: Many countries, particularly in Europe, have stringent rules on due process and the treatment of suspects. The proposed reforms in Morocco, such as the strengthened presumption of innocence and the rights to legal counsel, are steps towards these norms. However, the success of such implementations will depend on consistent application and oversight.
Editor: Oversight is crucial. In light of these developments, how do you see public trust in the judicial system evolving?
Legal Expert: Trust is built on transparency and accountability. If the public sees tangible changes that demonstrate fairness, the trust will likely improve. However, if the reforms are seen as superficial or if there are setbacks during implementation, it could lead to skepticism.
Editor: That’s a valid point. Moving forward, what are the main challenges that may arise during the implementation of these reforms?
Legal Expert: One of the main challenges will be ensuring that all members of the justice system—from police to lawyers—are on the same page regarding these new procedures. Additionally, there may be resistance from certain quarters that are accustomed to the old ways of operating. It will require a concerted effort, including public education about the changes and their benefits.
Editor: Thank you for shedding light on these complexities. Lastly, what message would you give to stakeholders involved in this reform process to ensure its success?
Legal Expert: I would emphasize the importance of collaboration. Stakeholders—lawmakers, legal professionals, and civil society—need to work together, share insights, and engage in dialogues. This collective effort will not only ensure a smoother transition but also foster a sense of ownership among all parties, which is fundamental for long-term success.
Editor: Thank you for your insights. The upcoming changes to Morocco’s criminal procedure are indeed crucial, and it’s essential to remain engaged as these reforms unfold.
Legal Expert: Thank you for discussing this important topic. I believe we are at a pivotal moment for the Moroccan judicial system, and continued dialogue will be crucial.