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Morocco adopts terror law
28/05/2003 11:49 - (SA)
Rabat - The Moroccan parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly adopted a controversial anti-terrorism law, which will stiffen penalties and ease police work in terrorism cases in the wake of multiple suicide bombings in mid-May.
The law, which also broadens the definition of terrorism and makes it easier for courts to hear cases classified as terrorist, had been strongly criticised by human rights groups.
The upper chamber on Tuesday passed the bill with 89 votes in favor and seven abstentions. It had already passed the lower house of parliament on May 21, five days after bombings in Casablanca killed 43 people and injured more than 100.
Under the new legislation, a terrorist act would be defined as "any premeditated act, by an individual or a group, that aims to breach public order thorugh terror and violence".
The law, which enters into force once it is published in the government gazette, also expands the number of crimes punishable by death.
The government had withdrawn the bill for amendment in April after fierce criticism from Moroccan rights groups. - Sapa-AFP
- SAPA
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