Amnesty International: Morocco’s amendment of rape law, a step in the right direction

Human rights organization “Amnesty International” commended on Wednesday the amendment, approved by the house of representatives, of article 475 of the Moroccan penal code related to marrying a minor with her rapist. The House of representatives adopted unanimously, on Wednesday, a draft bill to annul the 2nd paragraph of article 475 of the Moroccan penal code which allows the rapist to wed his minor victim to avoid prison. The amendment also tightens prison sentences against rapists of minor girls, ranging from 1 to 5 years, in addition to a fine of 200 to 500 MAD. The Moroccan Parliament’s vote to amend a law so that rapists can no longer escape prosecution by marrying their victims if they are under 18 is an important step in the right direction, Amnesty International said. “Today’s vote is a welcome step but Morocco still needs a comprehensive strategy to protect women and girls from violence,” said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa.