On 24 November 2011, the trial of Ali Aarrass eventually took place before three judges at the Appeal Court of Rabat (Salé).
Even though no material element was brought forward, Ali Aarrass was sentenced to 15 years of prison. This conviction was pronounced solely on the basis of confessions obtained under torture.
The judges made their decision in less than an hour, leaving aside all the legal and factual objections raised by the defence after a three-hour plead.
It should be noted that the judges pronounced the sentence before the official time they had set themselves (4pm). Therefore, Ali Aarrass’ lawyers and family were not there and he was left alone when the verdict was given. Furthermore, in the absence of his translator, Ali Aarrass did not understand the judgement made. His lawyers had to explain it to him in his cell.
Moreover, the Moroccan authorities refused to examine the complaint made by Ali Aarrass with regards to the torture to which he was subjected during his disappearance.
Ali Aarrass remains under a harsh regime in solitary confinement.
His support committee has decided to bring the case before the UN Committee against torture and the Human Rights Committee.
Even though no material element was brought forward, Ali Aarrass was sentenced to 15 years of prison. This conviction was pronounced solely on the basis of confessions obtained under torture.
The judges made their decision in less than an hour, leaving aside all the legal and factual objections raised by the defence after a three-hour plead.
It should be noted that the judges pronounced the sentence before the official time they had set themselves (4pm). Therefore, Ali Aarrass’ lawyers and family were not there and he was left alone when the verdict was given. Furthermore, in the absence of his translator, Ali Aarrass did not understand the judgement made. His lawyers had to explain it to him in his cell.
Moreover, the Moroccan authorities refused to examine the complaint made by Ali Aarrass with regards to the torture to which he was subjected during his disappearance.
Ali Aarrass remains under a harsh regime in solitary confinement.
His support committee has decided to bring the case before the UN Committee against torture and the Human Rights Committee.
This is a summary of the press release by Ali Aarrass’ lawyers (jus cogens) on 25 November 2011 (in French)
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