A/HRC/22/53/Add.2
sentences. The Special Rapporteur is also concerned about harsh conditions imposed on
death row inmates due to an event several years ago that led to the death of a prison guard
in Kenitra Central Prison. In particular, he observed the denial of access to books,
newspapers, exercise, education, employment or any other type of prison activities. The
Special Rapporteur considers such long-term collective punishment of all inmates serving
life sentences excessive and amounting to collective ill-treatment. Furthermore, during the
interviews of those on death row, the indefinite detention and the uncertainty about possible
execution made it clear to the Special Rapporteur that the ―death row phenomenon‖ is
indeed a serious threat to the mental health of these detainees.
4.
Juveniles in conflict with the law and child protection
53.
The Moroccan criminal legislation regarding juveniles provides for a juvenile
system which operates with specially trained prosecutors and judges. However, in practice
the Special Rapporteur heard that any public prosecutor may be responsible for a juvenile
case.
54.
Article 460 of the Code of Criminal Procedure provides that the judicial police
officer in charge of juveniles may detain the juvenile in a dedicated place. In a police
station visited, there were neither special places dedicated to juveniles nor specialized
police officers assigned to such cases. However, during these inspections the Special
Rapporteur did not receive any complaints regarding the treatment of juveniles.
55.
Reports indicate that the General Prosecutor’s Office rarely requests alternative
measures of detention, as provided for in articles 501 to 504 of the Code of Criminal
Procedure. Reports also indicate that juveniles often remain in custody for a long period
before being admitted to a child protection centre.
56.
During his visit to a child protection centre, the Special Rapporteur observed decent
living conditions and, in general, good treatment of the juveniles, aged between 12 and 17.
However, he heard credible reports about corporal punishment (beating with sticks and
electric cords) committed by one specific member of the staff. He has no further
information as to whether the reported use of corporal punishment is an isolated case or if
such treatment is generally used in juvenile protection centres. The medical examination of
one juvenile detainee resulted in findings consistent with such abuse. However, the
Ministry of Youth and Sports indicated that no such treatment would be tolerated and that
complaints would be investigated without undue delay.
5.
Women serving prison sentences
57.
Reports indicate that women suffer a high incidence of humiliating and degrading
treatment during their detention at the police station and during their time spent in the
correctional system. However, the reported rate of torture or ill-treatment is significantly
lower than for male detainees.
58.
The Special Rapporteur visited the women’s section of two prisons, which revealed
the same or even a higher rate of overcrowding as in other parts of the prison, and in
particular an apparent lack of space for women with children and well-equipped recreation
areas for children. However, during the visits no complaints about the treatment and
behaviour of the prison staff were received. It appears that women are provided with their
basic needs regarding their own hygiene and general health as well as that of the children
living with them, which is only possible up to the age of three years, which may be
increased to the age of five years.
13
Select target paragraph3
Connect to a paragraph
Connect to an entity
Disable highlights
Add to table of contents