Acquittal for eleven youths sued in morality trial

The Casablanca Court of Appeal on Friday acquitted eleven out of fourteen youths who were standing trial for "detention of objects contrary to morality" and "acts undermining the Islamic faith."

The court condemned the three others to 45 days in jail each, including an Egyptian national, who saw the expulsion measure pending on him revoked.

The public prosecutor has requested the upholding of the "illegal stay" charge against the Egyptian, but called on the court to clear him of charges related to "undermining Islamic faith" and encouraging prostitution.

While leaving it to the discretion of the court to decide for the two others, the prosecutor requested acquittal for the remaining eleven, who had been granted provisional freedom.

The morality trial, which started on February 19th, was based on articles 59 and 60 of the press code and articles 129 and 220 of the penal code.