With the new Moroccan constitution, conditions are ripe for abolishing the death penalty, participants in a recent Rabat conference believe.
The event, held by the Moroccan Coalition against the Death Penalty (CMCPM) on February 10th, came as part of efforts to "develop public debate on the need to protect the right to life and abolish the death penalty, and also to harmonise local laws with international human rights mechanisms", according to CMCPM co-ordinator Abderrahim Jamai.
But obstacles abound. Some of them are "ideological remnants that have a religious and societal nature", Jamai pointed out.
"However, the biggest obstacle now is political decision," he argued. "The amendment of constitution is an important step, but is not enough. There is also the constitutional problem related to the interpretation of article 20. The current challenge for us now is to continue to create dynamism in society, with actors in public institutions and political parties in order to ensure respect for human rights, foremost among which is right to life." Article 20 of the constitution states: "Right to life is the first right for every human being. The law protects this right."
Source: magharebia, Feb. 20, 2012
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