Opposition Pressure on Justice Minister in Morocco
The opposition in Morocco has heightened its demand for the resignation of Justice Minister Fernando Rabat following significant controversy surrounding the reduction of sentences for 56 individuals convicted of sexual offenses against minors. This call for action comes on the heels of President José Antonio Kast's acknowledgment of a state error related to these leniencies, yet he has maintained his support for Rabat, tasking him with implementing corrective measures. Despite the President's admission, opposition parties are unsatisfied and are preparing to escalate their efforts, indicating they may pursue a constitutional accusation if the government does not take appropriate political responsibility.
Demands and Possible Political Consequences
Leading the charge, opposition figures from various parties, including the Frente Amplio, Communist Party, Socialist Party, PPD, Christian Democracy, and the Liberal Party, are laying the groundwork for a potential constitutional accusation. They are demanding that Minister Rabat appear before a special session of the Chamber of Deputies scheduled for October 28. Raúl Soto, the president of the PPD, has outlined three specific conditions that must be met to avert political trial: President Kast should ask for Rabat's resignation, the government must initiate administrative and legal actions to revoke the controversial decrees, and public apologies should be offered to the victims of these crimes. Soto emphasized the likelihood of a constitutional accusation if the support for Rabat continues, firmly stating that both the President and the Minister bear direct responsibility for the situation.
In response to the growing unrest, Kast has rejected the idea of dismissing the minister, arguing that while such a move might temporarily quell the uproar, it would not address the underlying issue. Simultaneously, the government is pushing for a reform of Law 19.856 to prevent future reductions in sentences for sexual offenders against minors. This proposed initiative aims to clarify that prohibitions introduced in February 2022 apply retroactively, closing loopholes that may have previously allowed for such leniencies. However, it notably does not include provisions to revoke previously granted sentence reductions, a key demand from the opposition that continues to stoke tensions.
The ongoing discussions in the legislature, coupled with the opposition's insistence on accountability, indicate that the matter is far from resolved. With a judicial front also emerging, as certain members of the opposition have filed criminal complaints against Minister Rabat, the coming days will be critical in determining the political landscape surrounding justice and accountability in Morocco.
As reported by elmostrador.cl.
