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Two Moroccan women have gone on trial after being charged with gross indecency. They were charged for wearing tight dresses.
A Controversial Arrest
The women were walking in the city of Inezgane near Agadir. They were stopped by a market trader, who confronted them about wearing provocative outfits. When a crowd formed, police intervened. It is feared that the women could have been ‘lynched’ by the market crowd had the police not stepped in.
The two women are being charged under an article in the country’s penal code that states anyone found guilty of “public obscenity” could face a prison sentence for up to two years. The arrest was not well received in the country. An online petition demanding their release has currently reached almost 25,500 signatures.
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Sparking Protests Across the Country
Protests have taken place across Morocco. The protesters believe that the women should be free to dress how ever they like. Liz McKean, in charge of Amnesty International UK women’s human rights programme, called the legal case “flimsy” and acknowledged Morocco’s emerging pattern of discriminatory laws against women. She added: “The only sensible thing here would be for the case to be dropped and police officers in Morocco instructed not to make arrests in cases like these in the future. Meanwhile, the authorities need to set about amending a whole range of highly discriminatory laws on rape, abortion, divorce and child custody.” A verdict will be reached on July 13.
SEE ALSO: French Muslim Girl Banned From School for the Most Ridiculous Reason.
