A wave of misinformation circulating on social media has falsely claimed that local authorities in Marrakech have introduced fines for women and girls wearing “indecent” clothing in public. This rumor has sparked confusion and concern among residents.
The unverified reports allege that the city is enforcing these measures to uphold public morality, with some posts suggesting fines of up to MAD 2,000 have already been imposed on several women in the past week. The supposed aim of this policy is to reduce harassment and sexual assault in public spaces and enhance the sense of security among residents.
However, a source within Marrakech local authorities has categorically denied these claims. “These claims are unfounded, and the news is false. Local authorities have no authority to enact such regulations,” the local authority source stated in a statement to Hespress Eng.
While Marrakech authorities have previously conducted campaigns against public indecency, these efforts have typically involved arrests rather than the introduction of standardized fines.
According to Article 483 of the Moroccan Penal Code, any individual committing a public outrage against decency, such as deliberate nudity or indecent gestures, may face imprisonment for one month to two years and a fine ranging from MAD 200 to MAD 500.
The article specifies that an act is considered public if witnessed by one or more people accidentally, or in the presence of a minor, or in a public space.
The fabricated claims have exploited recent concerns about harassment, gaining traction following a disturbing incident captured on video in Tangier, where a group of teenagers harassed a woman in public. The video showed the woman surrounded and touched inappropriately, while multiple bystanders, both male and female, failed to intervene.
Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and critical of information shared on social media platforms.
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