HIBAPRESS – Rabat
In response to what was circulated on the social media site "Facebook" regarding what was described as "overcrowding in the local prison of Kenitra," the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration issued an explanatory statement through which it presented a set of data to enlighten public opinion and clarify the reality of the situation within the concerned penal institution.
The delegation explained that the situation of overcrowding in the local prison of Kenitra is an objective reality, given that this institution is primarily intended to receive precautionary prisoners, who are held at the disposal of the judiciary pending the issuance of final judgments in their cases. In this context, it confirmed that this fact poses organizational and managerial challenges that the delegation is constantly working to address.
As part of efforts to alleviate the overcrowding, the General Delegation highlighted that it adopts a set of practical measures, including the transfer of prisoners who have been sentenced in appeal to other penal institutions, which contributes to reducing pressure on the local prison's capacity. It also revealed that it recently transferred about 600 precautionary prisoners to the central prison of Kenitra, although the latter is originally designated to accommodate those finally convicted of long-term custodial sentences.
At the structural level, the delegation confirmed that it is working, within the framework of a proactive vision, to build a new district within the local prison of Kenitra with a capacity of up to 750 beds, in addition to the rehabilitation of buildings designated for detention, which would contribute to alleviating the problem of overcrowding in the near future and improving accommodation conditions within the institution.
The General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration concluded its clarifications by emphasizing its continuous keenness to improve detention conditions, respect the applicable standards, and take all possible measures to reduce the effects of the constraints associated with overcrowding, pending more comprehensive structural solutions.
