Judicial Offices Set Up Inside AFCON Stadiums to Ensure Swift and Effective Handling of Minor Offences

Speaking to the press on the occasion of the inauguration of the judicial office at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Mr Mlati explained that this initiative responds to the specific nature of this continental event and seeks to guarantee its smooth running, particularly as the tournament is expected to attract large numbers of spectators of different nationalities.

He added that this approach forms part of the support for the organization of the AFCON and the efforts deployed by the Kingdom to ensure the success of this event, through the creation of a dedicated office tasked with handling certain minor offences and misdemeanours. He also stressed that this initiative draws on previous experiences implemented during major sporting events, with a view to ensuring rapid and efficient processing of this type of case.

The official underlined that this mechanism guarantees all the requirements of a fair trial, in strict compliance with the procedures provided for by law.

For his part, Hassan Farhan, a magistrate seconded to the Presidency of the Public Prosecution, stated that the establishment of judicial offices in stadiums hosting AFCON matches falls within the framework of the public prosecution’s involvement in securing sporting events, particularly the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mr Farhan specified that, within the scope of the legal powers conferred upon it to protect persons and property, the public prosecution will ensure coordination with the various actors operating on the ground in order to guarantee that this continental event takes place under optimal security conditions for supporters.

The inauguration of these judicial offices in stadiums hosting AFCON matches thus forms part of the introduction of a new institutional mechanism designed to manage cases that may be referred to the public prosecution in connection with offences likely to occur during matches.

This initiative aims to establish a modern and effective method for handling cases within sports venues, by enabling representatives of the public prosecution, in coordination with security services and the competent authorities, to intervene immediately when necessary, thereby ensuring the speed of procedures, respect for individuals’ rights and fair trial guarantees, while preserving order and security in stadiums and easing the burden on the courts.

Editorial team/le7tv