The Moroccan Parliament has definitively adopted the bill reforming the Code of Criminal Procedure, marking a decisive step in the ongoing process of modernizing criminal justice and strengthening the rule of law, the Ministry of Justice stated.
The result of a legislative process marked by extensive consultations and institutional debates, this bill is part of a broader reform vision led by the Ministry of Justice, aiming to enhance fair trial guarantees, promote the rights of the defense, and modernize the tools of criminal procedure, the Ministry said in a press release.
The bill introduces major advancements, notably the broader use of alternatives to pre-trial detention, the strengthening of judicial oversight measures, enhanced protection of victims and witnesses, as well as the integration of digital technologies into legal procedures and the enshrinement of the principles of promptness and efficiency in handling criminal cases.
"The definitive adoption of this fundamental text reflects the Kingdom’s firm commitment to building a modern, accessible justice system that respects fundamental rights,” adding that this represents “a key milestone in our comprehensive strategy to reform the judicial system, alongside the Penal Code and the law on alternative sentencing," said Minister of Justice Abdellatif Ouahbi as quoted in the release.
In this regard, the Ministry of Justice welcomed the constructive involvement of all institutional actors, legal professionals, and civil society organizations who contributed to enriching the bill.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to support the implementation of the reform through training, awareness campaigns, and capacity building, in accordance with the principles of transparency, legal security, and equity.
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved, in a second reading and by majority vote, Bill No. 03.23 amending and supplementing Law No. 22.01 on the Code of Criminal Procedure.
(MAP: 22 July 2025)
