King Mohammed VI Grants Pardon to Rif Protesters and PJD Youth Members

PERSISMA, Rabat – The King has granted a royal pardon to 1,178 prisoners, which include Rif protesters and PJD youth members.

The royal pardon benefits a number of the Rif activists who have been detained following eight-month protests in the Al Hoceima region.

On the eve of the Throne Day, which will be celebrated on Sunday in Tangier, Morocco Ministry of the Royal Household announced that the Moroccan monarch has decided to grant his royal pardon to Rif protesters, as well as PJD youth members.

It is unclear, however, whether Nasser zafzafi, leader of the protest movement, has also benefited from the royal pardon.

Prior to his much anticipated royal speech, King Mohammed VI has granted a royal pardon to 1,178 prisoners, including some Rif protesters and PJD youth members, said a statement by the Maghreb Arab Press.

The king has given royal pardon to four inmates over their remaining prison term, while 811 inmates had their prison terms reduced.

One convict’s death penalty was commuted to life imprisonment, while 25 inmates benefited from life sentences commutation to fixed prison terms.

The same sourced added that 58 inmates have benefited from the pardon over imprisonment term or remaining prison term, 22 others had both their prison sentences and fines dropped.

Sentences for Seven prisoners were pardoned while fine were kept. 180 inmates benefited from pardon over their prison terms and fines.