##  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

## Bridging the Digital Divide: Telecom Expansion Tops National Agenda 

**Morocco Races to Ensure Universal Access by 2030**

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch has declared that expanding nationwide telecom networks to guarantee access for all citizens is a critical national priority, demanding immediate attention.  Addressing the National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ANRT) Board of Directors in Rabat on Friday, Akhannouch stressed that while progress has been made, comprehensive coverage, particularly in mountainous regions, remains crucial.

**A Call to Action: Mobilizing Resources for Digital Inclusion**

Akhannouch emphasized the need to mobilize all available resources and focus efforts on achieving this goal, acknowledging the concerns of citizens in several regions lacking access to quality telecommunication services. He assured that the government is fully committed to supporting the ANRT in delivering comprehensive and efficient coverage, thus reducing the digital divide.  He called upon the Agency to identify underserved areas in collaboration with relevant ministries to provide high-quality telecom services as quickly as possible.

**Digital Transformation: A Cornerstone of Morocco's Future**

Akhannouch underscored Morocco's recognition of the vital role digital transformation plays in socio-economic development, highlighting its commitment to a comprehensive and integrated approach aligned with global technological advancements.  He emphasized that the national strategy "Morocco Digital 2030" aims to achieve socio-economic and digital inclusion through strategic initiatives.

**Telecom: A Driver of National Development**

The Head of Government declared Morocco's intention to leverage the telecom sector as a catalyst for national development, contributing to improved economic and spatial development indicators, increased sectoral competitiveness, job creation, and reduced digital and spatial disparities. He expressed pride in the significant improvements in coverage and access rates, particularly within the mobile telephony sector (57 million subscribers) and internet usage (nearly 40 million users), placing Morocco at the top of African rankings according to the International Telecommunication Union's Information and Communication Technology Development Index (IDI).

**Preparing for Major Sporting Events: Telecom Infrastructure Upgrade**

Akhannouch highlighted Morocco's upcoming hosting of major sporting events, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup, emphasizing the need for robust telecom infrastructure to support these endeavors.  He assured that the government, in collaboration with all stakeholders, is actively working to mobilize resources and support ongoing structural projects aimed at expanding broadband internet coverage and fiber optic networks. He revealed plans to connect nearly 5.2 million households by 2030 and deploy 5G technology through a recently launched call for tenders, enabling coverage across several cities.


**Acknowledging the Vital Role of Telecom Operators**

Akhannouch concluded by praising the significant contributions of telecom operators in driving sector development and their relentless efforts towards achieving national connectivity goals. 


## Bridging the Digital Divide: Telecom Expansion Tops National Agenda 

**Morocco Races to Ensure Universal Access by 2030**

Head of Government Aziz Akhannouc

#Government

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

Nationwide Expansion of Telecom Networks is a Pressing Need, Gov’t Chief Says