Two camp counselors jailed over sexual assault of minor

A judge at the Meknes Court of Appeals on Thursday ordered the pre-trial detention of two men accused in connection with the alleged sexual assault of a minor at a government-sponsored summer camp in the Ifrane province.

The suspects, both counselors at the “Ras El Ma” summer camp in the commune of Bensmim, were arrested earlier this week by the Royal Gendarmerie in Azrou following a report of suspected abuse involving a 13-year-old boy.

Following an initial appearance before the public prosecutor, the two men were transferred to the investigative judge, who ordered their incarceration at Meknes Local Prison pending further questioning. They are being investigated on charges of sexual assault against a minor and complicity.

According to Hespress AR sources, the case unfolded at the “Fadaa Saïs” section of the camp when one of the counselors, a 28-year-old man, was allegedly caught engaging in sexually inappropriate behavior with the child. The camp’s administration promptly notified authorities, leading to his immediate arrest by the Royal Gendarmerie.

A second counselor responsible for supervising the area was also detained. Investigators allege that he failed to intervene or prevent the incident, and the prosecutor has charged him as an accomplice for his inaction.

The swift intervention by law enforcement may have prevented the situation from escalating further, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The child has since been placed under psychological care.

The incident has sparked outrage among child rights activists and civil society organizations, who are calling on the government to improve vetting procedures for camp counselors and ensure stronger protections for children attending summer programs.

They are urging authorities to take firm action against what they describe as repeated and alarming violations of child safety at youth camps across the country.