Financial Crime World

Morocco’s 2-Year Anti-Corruption Drive Falls Short

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A Critique of Morocco’s Efforts Against Corruption

Rabat, Morocco - October 22, 2010

Morocco’s two-year anti-corruption drive has been met with criticism for lacking meaningful safeguards to protect whistleblowers and witnesses from retaliation. Despite its aim to tackle corruption and increase transparency, the plan falls short in providing adequate protection for those who speak out against corruption.

Lack of Protection for Whistleblowers

  • The distinction between a general witness in a trial and a whistleblower is not marked, leaving whistleblowers vulnerable to abuses of the law.
  • The Moroccan government has failed to provide legal safeguards for whistleblowers, freedom of the press, and access to official information.

Flaws in Witness Protection Law

  • The Law on Witness Protection (WWPL) punishes whistleblowers who report false information, despite their intention to expose corruption.
  • Whistleblowers are not allowed to report more than suspected crimes, limiting their ability to speak out against corruption.

Recommendations for Reform

To address these concerns, Transparency International recommends:

  • Amending the WWPL to remove punishments for false reporting and allowing whistleblowers to report more than suspected crimes.
  • Providing financial compensation for whistleblowers who suffer reprisal and protection against unfair dismissal.
  • Establishing safe channels for whistleblowers to report concerns, such as state helplines.
  • Encouraging civil society organizations to work closely with human rights organizations, trade unions, employers, and journalists to promote the rights of whistleblowers and citizen access to information.

The Need for Political Will

The Moroccan government has yet to demonstrate sufficient political will to empower state institutions with the resources and independence needed to act on whistleblower and witness reports. Until then, genuine reform is unlikely.

Contact:

Transparency International Alt-Moabit 96, 10559 Berlin, Germany Phone: +49-30-34 38 200 Fax: +49-30-34 70 39 12 Email: ti@transparency.org Website: www.transparency.org

Note: This article is based on a report by Transparency International and has been rewritten in a media style to make it more engaging and accessible.