Probe opened after 8-year-old repeatedly throws and steps on newborn at Tangier daycare, causing death

Why it matters: The case has reignited debate over Morocco’s child protection and juvenile responsibility framework. Under Moroccan law, children under 12 cannot be prosecuted, leaving such cases to administrative and family court handling. The case has exposed lapses in daycare oversight and child safety standards in Morocco. Under current regulations, licensed centers operate with limited inspection capacity.

Tangier authorities are investigating a tragic incident at a daycare in the Bir Chifa neighborhood where an 8-month newborn died after being repeatedly thrown on the floor by an eight-year-old girl. 

Video footage circulating on social media shows the child stepping on the infant multiple times before picking her up and dropping her again.

The baby was taken to a hospital on Tuesday but died from severe head injuries and internal bleeding caused by repeated trauma.

The newborn was under the care of a daycare worker when the incident occurred. The baby’s parents filed a complaint with Beni Makada police after learning that their daughter had suffered a “suspicious accidental fall,” according to the daycare operator. 

Police investigations, including a review of surveillance cameras inside the daycare, confirmed that the eight-year-old girl, tasked with holding the newborn, repeatedly threw her on the floor and caused serious head injuries that led to death.

Sources told Hespress AR that the public prosecutor at the Tangier Court of Appeal has ordered an official investigation. The daycare owner and the employee responsible for supervising the children have been placed under custody while authorities continue examining the circumstances of the incident. 

The eight-year-old girl was returned to her father as she cannot be held criminally responsible due to her age.

Sources said that the daycare did not have a license to operate, and conditions for receiving children, especially infants, were unsafe.

Authorities said the eight-year-old was at the daycare to receive language support lessons while her parents were at work. 

Investigations also revealed that the girl’s mother, who is not involved in the daycare incident, is wanted for a separate case of a bounced check; her detention is unrelated to the tragedy.