In a public session at the House of Councillors this week, the Moroccan Minister of Justice shed light on critical issues concerning fair trials and the rights of defendants within the country’s judicial system. The minister emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights from the moment of arrest through the conclusion of their trials, underlining the need to enhance transparency and judicial oversight to protect the right to defense and ensure fair trials for all.
Opening his address, the minister stated that the government is actively working to achieve criminal justice in alignment with international standards. He stressed that a fair trial is not merely a set of legal provisions but a living practice that must be reflected throughout all judicial procedures. He remarked, “From the moment of detention or accusation, every citizen must be granted full rights, including the right to defense, the right to consult a lawyer, and protection from torture or inhumane treatment.”
The minister highlighted the pivotal role of judges in upholding the rights of defendants, emphasizing that judges are responsible for ensuring justice and protecting defendants’ rights from the start of the trial to the issuance of the verdict. He noted, “Judges are expected not only to issue legal rulings but also to ensure the proper application of laws that protect citizens’ rights. It is the judiciary’s duty to shield defendants from violations, whether by providing legal counsel or ensuring a fair trial.”
Addressing the challenges facing Morocco’s judicial system, the minister acknowledged that while there is a robust legal framework to protect defendants’ rights, the actual implementation of these safeguards can face obstacles. He highlighted the importance of effective mechanisms to monitor legal procedures, including enhancing the role of public prosecutors in addressing arbitrary detention and torture cases. “We need to strengthen transparency in trial proceedings and ensure full protection of defense rights,” he asserted.
As part of the government’s efforts to improve the criminal justice system, the minister unveiled new measures to bolster fair trial mechanisms. Among these is the establishment of a national electronic registry to track pre-trial detention cases and ensure adherence to fair trial conditions. He also announced the implementation of advanced judicial monitoring systems to uphold detainees’ rights and prevent potential abuses during investigations.
Concluding his remarks, the minister reflected on the challenges faced by international criminal courts in guaranteeing fair trials, citing a report from the International Criminal Court that highlighted deficiencies in ensuring some fair trial conditions. He reaffirmed Morocco’s commitment to enhancing its domestic judicial system in line with international standards, emphasizing that true justice extends beyond legal rulings to include the respect for human rights at every stage of judicial proceedings.
source : fenews media