A deeply disturbing video that recently went viral has ignited widespread outrage in Morocco, showcasing a young boy being coerced by adults to consume alcohol. This shocking footage has prompted immediate calls for an investigation from child rights organizations and the National Human Rights Council (CNDH). In the video, an intoxicated man encourages the child, estimated to be around six or seven years old, to keep drinking from a bottle of alcohol while a third person records the scene. The boy, under pressure from the adult, follows these dangerous instructions repeatedly, leading to a public outcry.
The reaction on social media has been one of anger and disbelief, with many users condemning the exploitative and humiliating treatment of the child. Various child protection and human rights groups have voiced their strong disapproval of the incident. The organization Matqissch Weldi, which translates to “Don’t Touch My Child,” expressed its disgust over what it labeled a shocking violation of the child’s rights. They emphasized that the video posed significant risks to the boy’s physical and psychological well-being, categorizing the incident as a severe infringement of child rights.
Matqissch Weldi further asserted that there could be no justification for such behavior, whether it was meant as a joke or for entertainment purposes. They described the incident as a “complete crime,” warning of potential long-term psychological and physical repercussions for the child. The organization highlighted a troubling lack of awareness and responsibility among the adults involved, condemning the exploitation of a child's innocence in such a harmful context. They called upon the Public Prosecutor’s Office and law enforcement agencies, including cybercrime units, to launch a comprehensive investigation to identify those involved and to clarify the circumstances surrounding the filming of the video.
Moreover, they demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the offenders under Moroccan criminal law and international conventions protecting children’s rights ratified by Morocco. The organization cautioned against trivializing such behavior, especially when it is circulated online and shared across social media platforms.
The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) also issued a statement regarding the video. CNDH President Amina Bouayach expressed concern over the child's dignity and psychological welfare being compromised while adults encouraged him to drink alcohol. Bouayach pointed out that filming and disseminating the video, along with its propagation on social media, could further exacerbate the harm inflicted upon the child.
She lamented the ongoing reposting of the video by various pages and content creators, even if done in the name of criticism or condemnation, without adequately safeguarding the child's identity. Bouayach emphasized the necessity of concealing the child's face and eliminating any identifiable details. She insisted on an immediate cessation of the video’s circulation in its current form and called on prosecutors to act swiftly to ensure the child's protection and to undertake the required legal actions. The paramount concern must be the best interests of the child in all legal, media, and digital dealings related to this case.
Both Matqissch Weldi and CNDH have urged the public to refrain from further sharing the footage and instead report the individuals involved to the appropriate authorities.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
