Rabat Court Slaps Jail Time on Trio in Shocking Child Abuse Case
Harsh Sentences After Outrage Over Initial Punishments
The appeals court in Rabat has handed down tough sentences in a disturbing child abuse case. One man was sentenced to 20 years behind bars, while the two others each got 10 years. This comes after lawyers representing the victim challenged the original light punishments – which saw the attackers sentenced to just two years and 18 months respectively.
On top of prison time, the trio were ordered to pay a hefty 140,000 dirhams in damages.
Nation Furious at Initial Lenient Sentences
The case sparked fury across Morocco. Tens of thousands signed a petition condemning the original mild sentences. The 12-year-old victim was reportedly raped repeatedly over several months, according to the Jossour Forum of Moroccan Rights. The horrific ordeal has ignited fierce debate on women’s rights and child protection laws in the country.
Mixed Reactions From Victim’s Lawyers
The victim’s lawyers welcomed the court’s decision as a step toward justice. However, they voiced concerns that two attackers escaped the maximum 30-year sentence allowed under Moroccan law, receiving just 10 years each.
Charges and Court Drama
All three men faced charges of “misappropriation of a minor” and “indecent assault on a minor with violence.” Though prosecutors pushed for “rape” charges, the judge refused to include them. During the hearing, the accused reportedly hung their heads in shame. Shocking DNA evidence also linked one attacker as the father of a child born to the victim.
