Release of Ibn Tofail University Students
On the morning of March 9, 2026, a group of students from Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra were released from prison following an automatic reduction of their sentences. These students had previously been sentenced to two months of imprisonment and a fine of 500 dirhams each due to their involvement in protests that occurred during exam periods. The release was confirmed by Rashid Ait Belarabi, a lawyer affiliated with the Kenitra Bar Association, who shared the news on his personal Facebook account.
According to Ait Belarabi, the students benefitted from a reduction of five days for each month of their sentence, in accordance with Article 1-632 of the Criminal Procedure Code. This automatic reduction allowed them to leave the prison earlier than initially expected, marking a significant moment of joy as they embraced their newfound freedom.
The sentencing followed a ruling by the Kenitra Court of First Instance, which convicted 14 students, handing down the same penalties. The charges stemmed from protests that erupted within the university, expressing dissatisfaction with the perceived inadequacy of educational services during the first semester and objections to registration fees, particularly for master's and doctoral programs. Among those convicted, four students were detained while ten others were under judicial supervision, including three female students.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by students in expressing their concerns about educational policies and administrative decisions that impact their academic experience. The swift legal proceedings and subsequent release of the students have drawn attention to the broader implications for student rights and freedoms within academic institutions.
As reported by thevoice.ma.
