Morocco has announced its intention to vote for the abolition of the death penalty, signaling a pivotal moment in the nation’s human rights journey.
Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi declared on December 9 that Morocco will back the United Nations resolution advocating a moratorium on capital punishment.
This marks the first time the country has pledged such a move at the UN General Assembly, with discussions scheduled for December 15. 
UN Moratorium: A Step Toward Permanent Abolition
Justice Minister Ouahbi emphasized that the decision aligns with Article 20 of Morocco’s Constitution, which protects the right to life. The vote proposes a two-year moratorium on executions, with plans to amend the penal code to achieve permanent abolition.
“This is a commitment to protecting the right to life, in line with the Moroccan Constitution,” Ouahbi stated before Parliament.
Human rights groups have welcomed the move, highlighting it as a victory for justice and equality. The Moroccan Coalition for Human Rights vowed to continue its advocacy, stating, “We will continue our struggle until Morocco abolishes the death penalty from all civil and military laws.”
PJD Defends Retaining Capital Punishment for Serious Crimes
However, the Moroccan Justice and Development Party (PJD) has expressed reservations. Following an extraordinary leadership session, the PJD reiterated its stance on maintaining the death penalty for severe offenses.
“We have reaffirmed our principled stance on maintaining the death penalty for the gravest crimes, such as premeditated murder and violations of the right to life, in line with the sanctions prescribed by the Holy Qur’an,” the party stated in a communiqué.
The PJD argues that the death penalty serves as both a deterrent and a source of justice for victims’ families, while also calming societal unrest.
A Gradual Shift in Morocco’s Capital Punishment Policy
Morocco has abstained from supporting previous UN resolutions on the death penalty for more than two decades.
Despite a moratorium on executions since 1993, courts continue to hand down death sentences, particularly for crimes such as terrorism and murder. Currently, 88 individuals remain on death row, according to The New Arab.
The National Human Rights Council revealed that of Morocco’s 41 executions, 38 were politically motivated. Since 2020, the nation has commuted 161 death sentences to life imprisonment, illustrating its slow but steady transition away from capital punishment.
What Lies Ahead for Morocco’s Justice System?
As Morocco prepares for this historic UN vote, the debate between human rights advocates and proponents of capital punishment intensifies. Will this step usher in a new era of justice reform, or will resistance from conservative factions hinder progress?
Morocco’s decision could set a precedent for other nations grappling with the contentious issue of capital punishment. For now, the world watches as the nation balances tradition, justice, and human rights.
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