##  Morocco Embraces "New Model of Justice" with Alternative Sentencing Law

**Decree Grants Prison Administration Authority, Shifting Focus from Punishment to Rehabilitation**

In a significant step towards criminal justice reform, the Moroccan government has approved a decree empowering the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration to implement the country's new alternative sentencing law. The landmark legislation, set to come into force at the end of August, aims to reduce prison overcrowding and shift the focus from punishment to rehabilitation.

The decree, No. 2.25.638, was presented by Digital Transition and Administrative Reform Minister Delegate Amal Falah during the government council's weekly meeting on Thursday. This measure grants the prison authority full responsibility for executing the alternative sentencing law, a move described as a "significant advancement in human rights and criminal justice reform."

"This law marks a clear commitment to human rights and introduces a rehabilitative focus in criminal justice," stated Government Spokesperson Mustapha Baitas at a post-cabinet press briefing.  He emphasized that this new model of justice is inspired by royal directives to humanize the system and reduce prison overcrowding.

**Offering Alternatives to Incarceration:**

Beginning at the end of August, courts will be able to offer eligible defendants alternative sentencing options such as electronic monitoring and community service. These measures are designed to reintegrate offenders into society while still meeting the objectives of justice, Baitas explained.  He stressed that these alternatives are aimed at helping offenders rehabilitate and reintegrate without undermining public safety or victims' rights.

**Balancing Reform with Security:**

To ensure a balance between reform and security concerns, the law limits eligibility to misdemeanors and excludes serious crimes such as embezzlement, bribery, abuse of power, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organ trade, and the sexual exploitation of minors. Repeat offenders are also excluded from benefiting from the law's provisions.

**International Alignment:**

Baitas noted that this legislative reform responds to recommendations from international human rights organizations, including the United Nations, aligning Morocco’s legal system with global standards on justice and detainee rights. 


"The law is a vital step toward a more modern, rights-based penal policy and will help reduce prison overcrowding by offering structured alternatives for less severe offenses," Baitas concluded. 


##  Morocco Embraces "New Model of Justice" with Alternative Sentencing Law

**Decree Grants Prison Administration Authority, Shifting Focus from Punishment to 

Morocco approves decree granting prison administration autho

Morocco approves decree granting prison administration authority to enforce alternative sentencing law

##  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

#Alternative sentences

Morocco approves decree granting prison administration authority to enforce alternative sentencing law

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