Morocco is poised to make a groundbreaking decision on abolishing the death penalty, as the country prepares to vote on supporting a United Nations resolution for a moratorium on capital punishment. Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi announced on December 9 that Morocco will back the resolution, to be discussed at the UN General Assembly on December 15, marking a pivotal moment in its human rights journey.
“This move reflects our commitment to protecting the right to life, as enshrined in Article 20 of the Moroccan Constitution,” Ouahbi told Parliament. The proposed resolution introduces a two-year moratorium on executions, with plans to permanently amend Morocco’s penal code to abolish the death penalty.
The Moroccan Justice and Development Party (PJD), however, maintains a strong stance on retaining the death penalty for the gravest crimes, such as premeditated murder and violations of the right to life. Citing Islamic principles, the PJD emphasized that capital punishment ensures justice for victims’ families and acts as a deterrent to crime.
Morocco has abstained from previous UN resolutions on capital punishment for over 20 years. While no executions have taken place since 1993, courts continue to issue death sentences, particularly for severe crimes like murder and terrorism. Currently, 88 individuals remain on death row.
Human rights advocates have hailed this development as a milestone. The Moroccan Coalition for Human Rights pledged to continue its advocacy until the death penalty is eradicated from all legal frameworks. According to the National Human Rights Council, 38 of Morocco’s 41 recorded executions were politically motivated, and since 2020, 161 death sentences have been commuted to life imprisonment.
This decision signifies Morocco’s steady transition away from capital punishment, aligning with global trends favoring the abolition of the death penalty.
