“Mussalaha” Program Transformed Lives of 279 Inmates

Around 20 inmates benefited from the 12th session of the “Mussalaha” (reconciliation) Program, developed to deradicalize extremist convicts caught over terror charges, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 279 since the program’s inception six years ago, according to Mohamed Saleh Tamek, Head of Penitentiaries’ Administration and Reintegration.
“202 beneficiaries of this program were released, including 150 by royal pardon, while the sentences of 23 other convicts were reduced, bringing the rate of beneficiaries from the royal pardon to 66.79%, said Tamek at the closing of the 12th iteration of this pilot program, held in the local prison of Salé.
The Mussalaha Program was extended to women, incarcerated under the Anti-Terrorism Act, in its fifth session back in 2019. All ten female convicts who adhered to the program were released, while eight received pardon over their remaining prison terms, and two continued benefiting from the program even after they were set free.
The program met its objectives as all jails are now free of extremism and terrorism-related inmates.
The program builds on the success of previous sessions and encourages the scheduling of additional sessions for such prisoners, said Tamek.
Morocco’s “Mussalaha Program” was launched in 2017. It is a comprehensive approach to promote moderation, tolerance, and openness among ex-terrorists and reintegrate them back in society. The 180-hour rehab program includes psychological support.