Six people were sentenced on Tuesday to 15 years in prison each for the rape of a minor during the Moulay Abdellah Amghar Festival this summer. The court awarded the victim 100,000 dirhams in civil compensation. The incident traces back to August 14, when the victim, a minor from Youssoufia, was brutally assaulted by youths he personally knew. The attackers drugged him and took turns raping him inside a tent, exploiting the chaotic atmosphere of the festival. The Public Prosecutor at the Primary Court in Safi had ordered a forensic medical examination of the victim. He was subsequently referred to Mohammed V Hospital Center in Safi, where a medical report confirmed he had been subjected to gang rape and urgently required psychological support. The child was later transferred to the emergency department at the same center due to his inability to move, and then moved to a hospital in Marrakech due to the severity of his physical and psychological condition. The organization «Don't Touch My Child» (Matkich Waldi) commended the judicial ruling, stating in a communiqué that it represents a significant step forward in protecting children and deterring offenders. The organization emphasized, «Despite the importance of this ruling, we will support the victim during the appeal process to demand the maximum penalties for the perpetrators, ensuring it serves as a warning to anyone who dares to violate children's innocence». They added that they will continue «to follow the case until all legal avenues are exhausted, in defense of the rights of the victim and all children who suffer from violence and exploitation». Article modifié le 03/12/2025 à 12h55
