In a closely watched case, the trial of three individuals accused of raping a minor girl from Tiflet resumed at the Rabat Court of Appeal on Tuesday after being postponed last week.
The proceedings began on April 13th, with the victim and a witness who is also a minor, testifying.
The hearing was held in a closed session due to the age of the witnesses at the request of The Deputy Attorney. The President of the Court granted the request.
The prosecution has charged the defendants with embezzlement of minors, indecent assault, and defloration, but not rape. However, the civil party has requested that the charges be reclassified as rape, which would result in more severe penalties. The judge denied this request, as well as a request from the defense for a postponement.
During the trial, the three defendants- appeared before the court. A.K. was identified as the father of the victim’s child, but denies any involvement with the victim.
The other two defendants also denied the charges against them.
The main defendant claimed that he had a problem with the victim’s family and that a complaint had been filed with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, but did not provide details about the conflict. The second stated that he knew the victim and her family but denied any wrongdoing.
According to the investigation, the main defendant forcibly and violently penetrated the victim four times, both anally and vaginally. The witness was allegedly present during these acts.
Today’s session, which lasted over six hours, was closed to the public as the court heard from the victim and witness.
This decision has been met with criticism from human rights organizations and the defense team, who argue that the trial is a matter of public interest. Abdel-Fattah Zahrach, the victim’s lawyer, called for the media to be allowed to report on the trial while also ensuring a fair trial and preserving the presumption of innocence.
Abdel-Haq Halhouli, the lawyer for the defendants, maintains the innocence of his clients and hopes for a fair verdict. He argues that the defendants have consistently denied the charges against them throughout the investigation and previous trials.
The trial will continue with further hearings, and a verdict is expected to be delivered at the next session.
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