Morocco has achieved a landmark reduction in pretrial detention rates, bringing the figure down to 30%, Attorney General Hicham Balaoui announced in a circular issued on Tuesday.
Addressed to all prosecutors nationwide, the directive calls for enhanced coordination among judicial actors to ensure detainees appear in court without unnecessary delays.
“This achievement marks a historic milestone,” Balaoui said, attributing the progress to the dedicated efforts of local and regional commissions overseeing detention management.
At certain times, pretrial detainees now constitute less than 30% of the prison population—a level never previously reached in the country.
Despite this significant advancement, the Attorney General warned that the progress remains fragile.
Historical data show a recurring increase in pretrial detentions during the summer months, attributed partly to judicial staff shortages during holiday periods. Such gaps cause hearing delays, prolonging detention periods and threatening the gains made.
To address these risks, the circular urges prosecutors to engage in advance planning and strengthen collaboration with judicial authorities to avoid bottlenecks, while carefully balancing public order with individual freedoms.
Balaoui emphasized a shift in prosecutorial mindset, underscoring that pretrial detention must remain an exceptional measure rather than a default approach.
“A responsible and thoughtful stance is necessary to build public trust in the justice system and sustain these achievements,” he stated.
The circular further stresses the importance of promoting legal alternatives and restorative justice measures, aligning with previous judicial guidelines aimed at reducing the reliance on incarceration before trial.
Morocco’s progress in curbing pretrial detention reflects a broader commitment to reforming its justice system, enhancing human rights protections, and ensuring fairer treatment for detainees awaiting trial.
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