Morocco's alternative sentencing framework, introduced in August 2025, has marked its first anniversary with an expansion of non-custodial measures beyond prison settings. The law, which was part of a broader justice reform, allows judges to impose alternatives such as electronic monitoring, community service, and suspended sentences for certain offenses.
According to the Moroccan Ministry of Justice, the application of these measures has been extended to include more categories of offenders, aiming to reduce prison overcrowding and facilitate rehabilitation. The ministry reported that over 10,000 individuals have benefited from alternative sentences in the past year, with a notable increase in the use of electronic bracelets.
Legal experts highlight that the expansion reflects a shift towards a more restorative justice approach, though challenges remain in terms of infrastructure and public awareness. The government has pledged to invest in training for judicial personnel and to launch public information campaigns to ensure the effective implementation of the law.
Human rights organizations have welcomed the move as a positive step, while urging continued monitoring to ensure that alternatives are applied fairly and do not disproportionately affect marginalized communities.
