A/HRC/22/53/Add.2
demonstrations, there is a corresponding increase in acts of torture and ill-treatment during
the detention and arrest process. Although the mistreatment of detainees appears to be
essentially inflicted in the initial period of detention, situations of mistreatment in later
stages of detention were also detected.
The Special Rapporteur also notes the apparent absence of prompt and thorough
investigations into all cases of torture and ill-treatment, prosecution of the perpetrators, and
the provision of effective remedies and reparations, including rehabilitation services, for all
victims of torture and ill-treatment. In this context he stresses the fact that the Moroccan
forensic medical system should be urgently reviewed and changed, as the present system
does not guarantee the detection, documentation and correct forensic assessment of any
alleged situations of torture and mistreatment; according to the Special Rapporteur, this
may be one of the reasons for the non-application of the exclusionary rule with regard to
evidence obtained under torture.
The Special Rapporteur notes that conditions in most prisons are still alarming, due
to overcrowding, cases of ill-treatment and abusive disciplinary measures, unsanitary
conditions, inadequate food and limited access to medical care. He welcomes the efforts
made by the Government to increase the visits to places of detention, notably by the
National Human Rights Council.
The Special Rapporteur calls upon the international community to assist Morocco in
its fight against torture and ill-treatment by providing financial and technical support.
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