Morocco officially entered a new era of criminal justice on May 13, 2026, with the implementation of its alternative sentencing law. The legislation, which was adopted by Parliament in 2025 and signed into law by King Mohammed VI, introduces non-custodial measures such as community service, electronic monitoring, and suspended sentences for certain minor offenses.
The new system is designed to address chronic overcrowding in Moroccan prisons, which currently hold over 100,000 inmates, far exceeding their official capacity. According to the Ministry of Justice, alternative sentences will be applied to first-time offenders and those convicted of crimes carrying sentences of less than five years, excluding violent crimes, terrorism, and sexual offenses.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi stated that the reform is part of a broader effort to modernize the justice system and reduce recidivism. Pilot programs in several cities have already shown positive results, with lower reoffending rates among participants compared to traditional incarceration.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the move, though some have called for more transparency in the implementation and monitoring of alternative sentences. The government has pledged to train judges and probation officers to ensure the system's effectiveness.
