فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In an official statement delivered today, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Hassan Farhan, the judge presiding over the Public Prosecutor’s Office, affirmed that judgments and decisions related to violent and destructive acts accompanying unauthorized protests in some Moroccan cities in late September were “issued within a reasonable timeframe considering the criminal status of the defendants, and there was no rush in issuing them contrary to what some intentionally circulate.” This statement came during a media briefing to clarify judicial procedures taken, deny allegations of coerced confessions, and emphasize guarantees of a fair trial. This report reviews key procedural points, statistics, and the legal context based on official data to enhance transparency and accuracy.
Guarantees of Fair Trial and Denial of Allegations
Farhan stressed that all phases of investigation and trial were conducted in full compliance with legally prescribed procedural rules, starting from the moment of arrest. Statements were taken respecting the rights of suspects, including notifying charges, allowing access to a lawyer, informing families, and presenting evidence. He categorically denied the existence of any confessions extracted under duress, describing such claims as deliberate attempts to undermine the integrity of judicial procedures.
For pending cases, he explained delays are mainly due to defense requests for additional preparation time, with some investigations ongoing before examining magistrates to complete proceedings.
Initial Security and Judicial Procedures
Following unauthorized protests that escalated into violence and vandalism, Farhan reported that security authorities arrested a group of individuals and released 3,300 after screening and confirming no involvement in criminal acts. Minors involved were immediately handed over to their guardians, considering their best interests under the juvenile criminal procedure law.
Those found responsible for serious acts endangering persons, property, and public security were referred to public prosecutors in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier, and Oujda, totaling 2,480 individuals. After reviewing reports, sufficient evidence was found implicating some in felonies and misdemeanors, including:
- Collective insubordination with arms.
- Insulting a public official during duty, using violence causing bloodshed.
- Incitement to commit felonies or misdemeanors.
- Participating in armed gatherings and collectively vandalizing and looting property by force.
- Damaging objects meant for public use and obstructing traffic by blocking roads.
- Causing material damage to others’ property and aggravated theft.
- Arson of uninhabited buildings or empty vehicles.
- Possession of weapons under conditions threatening public safety.
Farhan emphasized that public force interventions complied with legal authorities regulating public assemblies, aiming to protect public safety, especially against acts like arson and road obstruction causing serious injuries to security personnel and significant material damage.
Proceedings and Issued Judgments
Following investigation completion, public prosecutors pursued charges against 2,480 defendants, including 959 released pending trial and 1,473 detained, with these numbers later reduced through suspended sentences, acquittals, or dismissal for 48 suspects.
As of October 27, 2025, issued judgments were:
| Judicial Level | Total Handled | Convictions Finalized | Suspended Convictions | Acquittals | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Chambers at Appeal Courts | 66 | 61 | – | 5 | Sentences ranged from 1 to 15 years, despite a maximum of 30, considering social context and absence of prior records. |
| Primary Courts (Adults) | 301 | 208 | 66 | 27 | Acquittal rate at 11.4%. |
| Juvenile Courts | 162 | 23 | 53 | 3 | 83 minors returned to guardians. |
Farhan noted the acquittal rate was 11.4% in primary courts (30 verdicts) and 9.7% in appeals courts (4 decisions), reflecting careful evidence review and respect for the presumption of innocence.
General Context of Events
Late September 2025 saw unauthorized youth protests, labeled by authorities as “جيل زد,” which escalated into violence and vandalism in cities including إنزكان (Inezgan), وجدة (Oujda), and Casablanca. These resulted in injuries, material losses, mass arrests, and swift judicial proceedings. Authorities confirmed their commitment to protecting peaceful demonstration rights while firmly tackling criminal acts.
Conclusion
Judge Hassan Farhan’s statement underscores the Public Prosecutor’s Office commitment to fair trial standards with transparency in handling violence linked to unauthorized protests. These measures aim to build public trust and maintain a balance between public security and individual rights as investigations continue into pending cases.
