Law in Morocco that allows rapists to marry their victims

[vesuvia]

Here is a link to a BBC News article about feminist protests against a law in Morocco. The law is used to protect the patriarchal status quo of family honour in rape cases.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-17379721

According to the article, "The penal code allows the 'kidnapper' of a minor to marry her to escape jail."

I also don't understand the idea that people who post on here aren't able to have more than one thought at the same time.

There are larger talks underway in Morocco about giving women equality under law. They are currently undertaking research as the best way to implement reform.

They are far removed from their more backward Islamic neighbours. That is what makes this incident all the more horrific for them and gives them greater desire to push forward reform.

If this story is being reported it is not for the nature of the rape and abuse but because you have women in an Islamic country who are forcing change through.

The Arab Spring will hopefully now move on to equal rights for women in these countries. Morocco being the most egalitarian should naturally be the first to implement new laws.

If this law was changed in Morocco, wouldn't it encourage activists in other countries with this law, and show that it can be done and give them more clout in their argument?

I think it is because certain men are really really concerned that we might tax our ladybrains too much SQ.

It is for our own good you know.

Stories like this in countries where there is no prospect of change are reported quite regularly

There was a harrowing report about a woman being forced to work as a prostitute in Afghanistan on C4 news the other day, a lengthy report.

I linked it on here to share it with others. I don't know whether that meets with your approval or not

The law they want removed sounds like it is a left over from 20-30 years ago. A disgusting loophole that should have been wiped from the legal system a long time ago.

Yes the judge who allowed it to be used should be prosecuted, but as with the judges in the UK they can commit acts of child abuse and are immune from prosecution

Her family went along with it though, and disowned her when she complained of beatings.

Her husband dragged her through the streets by her hair - you wouldn't get very far doing that in the UK (I hope).

Points to more than one judge and an antiquated law, but a wider attitude.

Morocco has a population problem. Too many children born means that you cannot hope to educate everyone.

Sadly in remote towns and villages the customs of 100 years ago are still the norm.

I went with a group of English tourists into the High Atlas mountains. The older women I was with got chatting to the male guides who told them how damaging it was to their small Berber villages now that satellite tv had arrived.

The women from the UK bought this and went around saying how bad it was that the traditional ways and values were being undermined. It is very easy in these remote communities to resist change and progress and convince people that you are right to do so.

By contrast you talk to young women in the cities and they have more equality but they are still amazed when you tell them that as a male you live alone and that you do not have a mother or a wife to run around the house tidying up for you or cooking meals for you.

Morocco has a patriarchy problem. Too many misogynistic men who are only too happy to trample over women's rights.

Also I note that Amina Filali came from Larache - which is hardly the back of beyond. It is a well known coastal town and a tourist destination. I've been there.

And and AbF bravo for getting down with the locals and digging their issues whilst the UK women 'bought' the story they were being spun. Have a cookie .

This article is quite good and adds a bit of context.

blogs.independent.co.uk/2012/03/15/amina-filalis-choice-stay-silent-or-marry-your-rapist/

Well known and tourist destination?

I spent a whole summer in nearby Asilah in the mid 90s and never once heard anyone refer to Larache. Yes people mentioned the cities and other places of interest but Larache was not one of them.

This is the first time I ever heard of the place.

It's a tourist destination for Moroccan people. Although it is in both the guide books I have of Morocco. It is on the main route between Tangier and Rabat and has a population of over 100,000. It has been an important coastal stronghold throughout Moroccan history. You may not of heard of it, but that does not mean that other people have not.

It is also famous for the Lixus Roman ruins - there are spectacular mosaics. That is why I went there.

Anyway, all this is irrelevant. Children being forced to marry their rapists, being beaten by them and committing suicide as a result, is terrible violence, no matter where it happens.