The exchange of sexual favors for services is now categorized as an act of corruption, according to the latest annual report from the “Instance nationale de la probité, de la prévention et de la lutte contre la corruption” (INPPLC).
This classification expands the understanding of such acts beyond simple harassment.
The INPPLC recommends designating the phenomenon of “abuse of office to obtain a sexual advantage” as a form of corruption. In its 2023 report, the body stated it plans to release a comprehensive analysis this year aimed at providing legislators with the data needed to address the legal gaps surrounding this issue.
The International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ) defines sexual blackmail as the exploitation of power to gain sexual benefits, framing it as a type of corruption where sex replaces money as the exchange. This behavior is viewed as morally offensive, contributing to broader social and ethical issues that exacerbate corruption.
Moroccan lawmakers have attempted to address corruption through Article 490 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which states that individuals of different sexes who engage in sexual relations outside of marriage may face imprisonment for one month to one year. However, this law has drawn criticism from human rights advocates, who argue it infringes on personal rights and freedoms.
According to Article 493, evidence for violations of Articles 490 and 491 can be established through a report by a judicial police officer, a confession, or a judicial acknowledgment. The INPPLC emphasized that its “global diagnostic approach” has unveiled the extensive prevalence of this issue, indicating a troubling trend in the relationship between power dynamics and sexual exploitation.
The INPPLC noted a rise in instances where sexual services are solicited in exchange for promised benefits, impacting various sectors where professional and economic activities occur.
The report concluded that this behavior must be regarded as an abuse of power, aligning with international conventions that call for its criminalization. The INPPLC aims to evaluate Morocco’s legal framework and judicial practices in relation to international standards, as it seeks to develop effective strategies for prevention and response to this growing concern.
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