Covid-19: Moroccan courts hold videoconference hearings

Moroccan courts resorted to holding hearings via video conferences allowing defendants to see proceedings in a courtroom attended only by judges and lawyers as a protective measure against the coronavirus.

Moroccan prison administration has already decided not to let inmates out to attend court hearings for fears of contagion after cases were found in jails.

Omar Nahar, President of Sale tribunal, told le360 media outlet the new protective measures ensure guarantees of a fair trial.

He added that videoconference trials helped save time and cut costs relating to transferring inmates to courts.

Moroccan courts held 240 videoconference hearings dealing with 3600 cases involving 4005 inmates, according to the judiciary’s higher council.