Justice minister calls prison staff to enshrine human rights culture in prisons

The culture that must prevail in prisons is that of human rights, for it is the only one capable to protect democracy, said minister of justice, Mohammed Bouzoubaa.

In a meeting with prisons wardens on problems in Moroccan penitentiary facilities and the situation and work conditions of staff, the minister said jails directors must conceive their duty from an educative perspective in a manner to ease the social integration of inmates. In this regard, he stressed that prisoners need to be rehabilitated and reeducated.

Bouzoubaa stressed the need for prisons to open up to humanitarian associations advocating prisoners rights, adding that his department will sign shortly bilateral conventions with some ten associations.

On the situation of jails staff, he said the ministry of justice is considering compensations and better working conditions for jails employees.

The department has prepared a draft on the set up of a social association for magistrates and justice civil servants, and appointed a ministerial committee to implement guidelines outlined by King Mohammed VI's speech at the opening of the judicial year, the official said.