Khallouli: We have never experienced such a healthy climate in terms of rights and freedoms.

Morocco’s human rights record has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years. The country has been criticized for its crackdown on dissent, its use of torture, and its poor prison conditions.

Despite these criticisms, the Moroccan government has insisted that it is committed to protecting human rights. In an interview with Morocco World News, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi said that the country has made “great strides” in this area.

“We have never experienced such a healthy climate in terms of rights and freedoms,” Ouahbi said. “The government is committed to protecting the rights of all citizens, regardless of their background or beliefs.”

Ouahbi’s comments come at a time when Morocco is facing international pressure to improve its human rights record. The United States has repeatedly criticized Morocco for its treatment of dissidents, and the European Union has threatened to impose sanctions if the country does not make progress on human rights.

The Moroccan government has responded to this pressure by making some concessions. In 2021, the government released dozens of political prisoners and announced plans to reform the country’s criminal code.

However, human rights groups say that these concessions are not enough. They argue that the government must do more to address the root causes of human rights abuses in Morocco, such as the lack of an independent judiciary and the widespread use of torture.

It remains to be seen whether the Moroccan government is serious about improving its human rights record. The country has a long history of human rights abuses, and it will take more than just a few concessions to change that.

Here are some specific examples of human rights abuses that have been documented in Morocco:

• The arbitrary arrest and detention of dissidents
• The use of torture
• The unfair trials of political prisoners
• The restrictions on freedom of expression
• The discrimination against women and minorities

These abuses are a violation of Morocco’s international human rights obligations. The government must take immediate steps to address these abuses and to ensure that all citizens enjoy their basic human rights.