##  24 Moroccans Ace Prestigious École Polytechnique Entrance Exam 

**Aspiring Engineers Set to Begin Studies This September**


Twenty-four Moroccan students have triumphed over fierce competition, successfully passing the entrance exam for the renowned École Polytechnique in Paris.  The achievement qualifies these students for the esteemed engineering program, set to commence this September for the 2025 session. 

An official statement from the school reveals that out of 56 Moroccan candidates who initially applied, 24 secured a place among the selected cohort. This impressive success rate highlights the dedication and talent of these young engineers-to-be. 


##  24 Moroccans Ace Prestigious École Polytechnique Entrance Exam 

**Aspiring Engineers Set to Begin Studies This September**


Twenty-four Moroccan students 

24 Moroccan Students Pass École Polytechnique Entrance Exam

## Teen Shepherd's Death Sparks Investigation Amid Suicide Denial

**Human rights groups and the family demand answers following the controversial death of a 15-year-old boy in rural Morocco.**

Rabat, Morocco – A chorus of voices is demanding a thorough investigation into the death of a 15-year-old shepherd in the remote commune of Aghbalou Serdane, Midelt province.  Human rights organizations and the teenager's family firmly reject the initial police hypothesis of suicide, alleging potential involvement by a local landowner. 

At a press conference held by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) in Rabat, the victim's relatives presented their case and called for justice. "[Quote from family member]" stated [Family Member's name], highlighting their unwavering belief that foul play was involved.  

The AMDH echoed these sentiments, urging authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation. "[Quote from AMDH representative]," declared [AMDH Representative's name], emphasizing the organization's commitment to uncovering the truth behind the young shepherd's death. 




## Teen Shepherd's Death Sparks Investigation Amid Suicide Denial

**Human rights groups and the family demand answers following the controversial death of a 15

Family and rights groups reject suicide claim in death of te

Family and rights groups reject suicide claim in death of teen shepherd in Midelt

##  Lyon Doctor Arrested After International Manhunt for Wife's Death 

**Moroccan physician apprehended in France following alleged fatal assault**

French security services have arrested a 40-year-old Moroccan doctor suspected of "assault and battery leading to death" against his wife, also a doctor. The suspect was apprehended in Lyon after an extensive international search. The victim, aged 36, worked at the Regional Directorate of the Ministry of […]. 


##  Lyon Doctor Arrested After International Manhunt for Wife's Death 

**Moroccan physician apprehended in France following alleged fatal assault**

French sec

Moroccan doctor arrested in Lyon for alleged murder of wife 

Moroccan doctor arrested in Lyon for alleged murder of wife in Fes

##  Throne Day Amnesty: More Than Just Mercy, Say Human Rights Activists

**Historic Pardon Grants Clemency to Over 19,000 Inmates**

This year's royal pardon, issued on the occasion of Throne Day, carries a new strategic significance that extends beyond its traditional humanitarian purpose, according to Moroccan human rights advocates. The unprecedented measure saw over 19,000 prisoners granted clemency, with more than 17,000 selected based on specific criteria.

"This move reflects King Mohammed VI's commitment to a modern and progressive penal policy," stated one activist. "It demonstrates a willingness to reintegrate individuals into society while upholding the principles of justice."


  
Experts point out that the emphasis on criteria-based selection indicates a shift towards a more targeted approach to clemency, potentially focusing on rehabilitation and reducing overcrowding in prisons. 

The specific criteria used for selecting prisoners for pardon have not yet been publicly disclosed. However, activists believe it signals a potential rethinking of sentencing guidelines and an increased focus on restorative justice.  


##  Throne Day Amnesty: More Than Just Mercy, Say Human Rights Activists

**Historic Pardon Grants Clemency to Over 19,000 Inmates**

This year's royal pardon, 

Royal Pardon marks strategic shift in Moroccan penal policy,

Royal Pardon marks strategic shift in Moroccan penal policy, rights groups say

## **Dream Deferred: Hundreds of Moroccan DV Lottery Winners Face Interview Delays, Risk Lost Opportunities**

Moroccan citizens who won the 2025 US Diversity Visa Lottery are facing growing anxiety as they await crucial interview appointments at the US Consulate in Casablanca. Despite submitting complete applications on time, hundreds of winners report prolonged delays, jeopardizing their dreams of migrating to the United States.  

**Ticking Clock Adds Pressure**

Applicants have expressed concern that the ongoing silence and processing delays are causing significant psychological distress. They emphasize that the program operates under a strict deadline ending September 30th, 2025, meaning they risk losing what they describe as a life-changing opportunity.

A formal letter addressed to the consular section highlights that many case numbers have been eligible for months, according to the US State Department’s Visa Bulletin.  

**Conflicting Information Fuels Confusion**

Adding to the frustration, applicants report conflicting information between the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC), which claims files have been forwarded, and the Casablanca consulate, which denies receiving them. 

Repeated inquiries sent to US authorities in Casablanca, Rabat, and Washington have yielded inconsistent responses. Many winners say they have already resigned from jobs or abandoned studies in preparation for emigration.  


One applicant shared with media: "[Quote about conflicting information and frustration]."


## **Dream Deferred: Hundreds of Moroccan DV Lottery Winners Face Interview Delays, Risk Lost Opportunities**

Moroccan citizens who won the 2025 US Diversity V

Moroccan DV-2025 winners sound alarm over interview delays a

Moroccan DV-2025 winners sound alarm over interview delays at US consulate in Casablanca

##  Morocco Overhauls Justice System: Alternative Sentences Take Center Stage 

**New Law Offers Community Service, Electronic Monitoring as Prison Population Surges**

Starting August 28th, 2025, Morocco will implement a groundbreaking justice reform that promises to reshape the criminal system. A new law, known as Law 43.22, introduces alternative sentences, offering courts the option to avoid imprisonment for certain offenses.  

Instead of automatic incarceration, offenders could face punishments like community service, electronic monitoring, or restrictions on specific rights – all tailored to the severity of the crime and individual circumstances. This reform aims to tackle Morocco's burgeoning prison population, currently exceeding 100,000 individuals, pushing the system to its limits.

**Targeting Overcrowding and Rehabilitation**

The new law will initially be implemented in 58 out of Morocco's 74 prisons, with cities having multiple facilities focusing on a single prison implementing this model. To ensure successful execution, authorities have already trained 700 employees specifically for these alternative sentencing programs.  However, they acknowledge the need for thousands more staff – potentially up to 4000 by 2026 – to scale the system nationwide. 

The government emphasizes that this reform is not merely about decongesting prisons but about creating a more humane and effective justice system focused on rehabilitation. "What truly matters," officials say, "is how the system is applied in practice."


**Impacting Thousands of Lives**

Law 43.22 could benefit up to 35,000 inmates, encompassing both those currently serving time and individuals in pre-trial detention.  An additional 5,000 people out on bail facing short prison sentences could also be affected. The law's emphasis on rehabilitation is particularly significant as it significantly shortens the time required for legal "rehabilitation" after completing an alternative sentence, easing the reintegration process into society.

**Addressing Concerns and Challenges**

Financial penalties are a component of some alternative punishments, raising concerns about potential inequalities. However, judges retain the discretion to tailor sentences based on individual financial situations, opting for community service or other measures instead if fines are unaffordable. 

Despite the positive intentions, implementing this reform comes with challenges. Morocco's legal system is complex and riddled with outdated laws. Successfully integrating alternative sentencing requires ongoing coordination between courts, the Ministry of Justice, the public prosecution office, and the prison system.

**Calls for Transparency and Public Participation**


The role of civil society in overseeing community service raises questions about transparency and participation. While the law mentions "public interest" organizations playing a role, NGOs are demanding clearer guidelines on eligible groups and their involvement in implementing this reform.  

Lawyers also emphasize the need to ensure fair and thorough execution of community service and call for deeper legal reforms to better define offenses under Moroccan law. 


This new chapter in Morocco's justice system promises significant change, but its success hinges on careful implementation, ongoing dialogue, and a commitment to ensuring fairness and equity for all.

##  Morocco Overhauls Justice System: Alternative Sentences Take Center Stage 

**New Law Offers Community Service, Electronic Monitoring as Prison Population S

Morocco is rolling out alternative sentences, here’s what th

Morocco is rolling out alternative sentences, here’s what that means

## Price Shock: Moroccan Summer Getaways Feel More Like a Budget Breaker

**Rising Costs Leave Diaspora Feeling Exploited and Frustrated**

Many Moroccans living abroad are expressing dismay over the sharp increase in prices across Morocco this summer, saying the cost of basic goods and services has become unreasonable and is impacting their holiday budgets. 

On social media, both Moroccan expats and foreign tourists have voiced similar frustrations. One user posted on Reddit: “Let me tell you the hard truth. Morocco is more expensive than Europe. I was shocked. The prices are insane, even more expensive than Denmark. And everybody is buying, all restaurants are full. Well, you can’t say anything because everybody is outside buying. When people feel injustice they talk, they protest, they boycott. Now I understand that Moroccans are happy about the situation.”

Soufiane Naimi, a 30-year-old Moroccan living in France, echoed this sentiment after arriving in Saidia. “The price of groceries is ridiculous. Why is everything getting expensive by the year? It’s unreasonable considering the average income is low,” he told [publication].  “I’m reconsidering coming here in the summer altogether, spending the summer somewhere else might be cheaper,” he added.

Naimi also expressed feelings of being taken advantage of: “It feels like we’re being taken advantage of. Just because we’re coming from abroad, doesn’t mean we’re rich.”


**Seasonal Demand or Deeper Issues?**

Many Moroccans from the diaspora return every year, especially during July and August, bringing in significant foreign currency and boosting local economies. But this year, complaints about prices have been widespread, particularly in major cities and tourist hotspots like Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir, and Casablanca. 

Economist Mohammed Jadri explained that the surge in prices during the summer is partly due to seasonal demand, especially in touristic areas.  “There is a clear imbalance between supply and demand,” he said. “When thousands of people come back at the same time, it puts pressure on transport, accommodation, food markets, and even basic services. Prices naturally go up.”

Jadri also pointed to deeper structural issues: “Inflation in Morocco hasn’t fully eased. Energy costs, transport, and imported goods are still expensive, and traders adjust their prices accordingly.” He added that unfortunately, some businesses take advantage of the influx of Moroccans abroad, assuming they are willing to pay more.


**Long-Term Impacts Looming**

Jadri warned that if this trend continues, it may discourage many from visiting regularly.  “They are important for the economy. If they feel exploited, they’ll reduce the frequency and duration of their visits, which could hurt local businesses in the long run.” 


## Price Shock: Moroccan Summer Getaways Feel More Like a Budget Breaker

**Rising Costs Leave Diaspora Feeling Exploited and Frustrated**

Many Moroccans livin

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