Morocco: Torture and excessive use of force common, UN says

last updated Sep 24, 2012

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture (UNSRT), Juan E. Méndez, has urged Morocco to end widespread police torture. On the occasion of a press conference at the end of his week-long fact-finding mission he also voiced concerns about excessive use of force used on peaceful demonstrators.

: Juan E. Méndez, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture; Source: United Nations - Geneva

Méndez also spoke positively on a certain emergence of a human rights culture; in particular the establishment of the National Council of Human Rights in 2010 and the new constitution were praised.

During his mission, Méndez visited police stations and prisons in Rabat, Sale, Kenitra, Skirat and Casablanca. He received a high number of interview requests when travelling to the remote Western Sahara but complained that authorities were monitoring several meetings.

The UNSRT also emphasised the need to probe claims of detained opposition activists that they were tortured to obtain evidence or extract confessions.

OHCHR Official Press Release: Culture of human rights is emerging in Morocco but more is needed to eradicate torture

AFP: Torture of Morocco detainees common: UN envoy

Press Association: Morocco accused over torture record

Morocco country profile