Is Morocco's New Justice System Just More of the Same?

Egypt and Libya weren’t the only Arab nations to undergo radical reforms in 2011. In February, more than 10,000 people took to the streets in Morocco, calling for lower food prices, freedom for political prisoners and human rights reforms. The king of Morocco, Mohammed VI, responded with a new constitution and early elections, avoiding the violence and unrest that characterized so many of the protest movements in the Middle East last year.

Throughout the protests, activists blasted the music of Mouad Belrhouate, a provocative rapper better-known as El-Haked, translated variously as “the defiant one,” “the enraged,” or “the indignant.” His music directly challenges his country’s government and monarchy, delivering critical messages about the social ills of Morocco.

In September, the rapper was arrested in Casablanca while distributing fliers for a peaceful demonstration. He has been charged with assault, in a situation his supporters characterize as a government setup. They allege that a member of the right-wing group the “Royalist youth alliance” was sent to harass El-Haked and his family, and later accosted the rapper on the street in order to justify an arrest. Some even allege the plaintiff faked his injuries. It’s also unusual for the attorney general of Casablanca to head the prosecution for a simple assault charge.

He has remained in detention for the past four months awaiting trial. Supporters have arrived at the courthouse with each court date, demanding El-Haked’s release. Many of them believe that this case will show whether the regime has truly reformed the justice system. In Morocco, judges are appointed by the king, which many believe has set up a system where judicial rulings reflect the interests of the regime rather than the best interests of the people.

In an interview with the BBC, the head of the Moroccan National Council for Human Rights, Driss El Yazami, stated that the case was under investigation. He disagreed with critics alleging that nothing has changed since the protests of last year. He pointed to the new constitution, with 65 of the 185 articles focusing specifically on human rights.

While his case has been postponed several times, El-Haked is represented by several human rights lawyers who have volunteered to defend him. His music remains more popular than ever. If convicted, he faces 1-2 years in jail.

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Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

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Rob and Jay B.

9:56AM PST on Jan 14, 2012

No 'King' or other dictator will give up their power willingly. It remains to be seen if these changes are just diversions are may actually improve freedoms in Morocco, our southern neighbor and from where we get so many immigrants - some escaping to find more freedom.

We hope for more freedoms of all kinds.

send a green star

Ernest R.

9:09PM PST on Jan 12, 2012

@ Wayne M…I agree that “Democracy, human freedom and fair justice systems” are even more unlikely in the Middle East than they are in the USA. I disagree that getting rid of the dictators is “a step forward”. It is more like opening the door for a theocratic Muslim dictatorship. A major reason for the unrest were unaffordable food prices. Those prices were , and are, going higher.

KS G.

4:59AM PST on Jan 12, 2012

Thanks for the article.

John W.

5:17PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Thankm you

CC C.

5:08PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Exactly Ernest R. People JUST WON"T STOP BREEDING!!! The Planet cannot keep up; industries try to be creative with new technology but there is a price to pay for the New Technology. OUR ENVIRONMENT!!!

Marilyn L.

4:28PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Thanks

1:37PM PST on Jan 10, 2012

High food prices, a major reason for the unrest, can only go higher because of overpopulation and climate disasters affecting agriculture. It is unlikely that anything else will change for the better.

Vicky P.

10:32AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

will have to wait and see

Wayne M.

7:22AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

It is foolish to believe that your can bring immediate and complete change to middle eastern nations. Democracy, human freedom and fair justice systems take a long time to develop. While getting rid of current dictators has been a step forward, this is only the beginning of a very long journey.

Phil P.

6:47AM PST on Jan 10, 2012

Just more bait and switch? The more things seem to change, the more they're actually the same.