Morocco - August 2025

On 22 August, a new law introducing alternative sentences to imprisonment came into effect, aiming to ease prison overcrowding (which had led to poor living conditions in prisons) through non-custodial measures such as probation, community service, fines, electronic monitoring, and rehabilitation programs. The law also allows early release or sentence reductions for inmates showing good behaviour or active participation in rehabilitation. The Attorney General’s Office and prison administration estimate that only about 1,700 inmates (out of around 100,000 in total) will initially benefit. Despite this modest initial rollout, the law marks a shift toward rehabilitation and reintegration, with the first sentence under the new framework issued on 25 August, replacing a one-year prison term for theft with community service.

Sources: Morocco World News, Avocats Sans Frontieres, El País, Hespress