The lawyer of a girl who was a victim of rape in Moroccoin a case that has sparked outrage across the country, called today to “intensify” the public debate on protecting children from sexual violence, pending a new trial of the perpetrators. “We hope justice will be served but also that the debate around the legislative reform for the protection of minors will intensify”, said Mohamed Sembar, in a press conference he gave in Casablanca.
12-year-old Sanae, who was 11 at the time of the events, “She was raped repeatedly, following threats» in a village near Tifelt, Rabat district, and became pregnant. On March 20, the Criminal Court of the Rabat Court of Appeal sentenced one of the defendants to 2 years in prison and two others to 18 months in prison. The three men, aged 25, 32 and 37, were accused of “seduction of a minor” and “violent violation of the sexual dignity of a minor”. Under Morocco’s penal code, they could be sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The case caused a scandal in the public opinion of the country, with many characterizing very “indulgent” and “shocking» the court decision. The appeal is due to be heard tomorrow, Thursday, and another minor witness is expected to testify, probably behind closed doors, Sebar said.
“We must continue the mobilizations, the tragedy of Sanae can change the laws”emphasized the sociologist Sumaya Naamane Gesous, who had addressed an open letter to the Ministry of Justice on the occasion of this case.
Amina Bouagias, the president of the National Human Rights Council, also called on the government to urgently promote amendments to guarantee the rights of children and their protection against all forms of violence, especially sexual violence.
In Morocco, non-governmental organizations and the media often report cases of sexual violence against minors and call for harsher penalties for perpetrators.
Source: News Beast
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