Darmanin Strengthens France-Morocco Judicial Cooperation and Crime-Fighting Efforts
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Morocco to strengthen judicial cooperation, focusing on counter-terrorism, asset confiscation, and organized crime. He praised Morocco’s intelligence efforts and addressed the need for improved asset confiscation processes. The visit highlights growing diplomatic relations between France and Morocco, following France’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over its Sahara region.
French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin visited Morocco to enhance judicial collaboration between France and Morocco. This marks his inaugural visit in his capacity as justice minister. In an interview, Darmanin praised the existing judicial cooperation, stating that Morocco’s exceptional intelligence work significantly aids in countering radicalization and preventing potential attacks.
Darmanin discussed asset confiscation related to drug trafficking, noting that while Moroccan services excel in seizing properties like homes and vehicles, both nations face challenges in the confiscation process. He emphasized the need for improved practices to increase the volume of confiscated assets across the Mediterranean.
During his visit, Darmanin engaged with Moroccan Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi and the King’s Prosecutor General, El-Hassan Daki, with a focus on counter-terrorism and organized crime. He also plans to meet M’hammed Abdenabaoui, the First President of the Court of Cassation, to discuss extradition matters. The agenda includes strengthening cooperation through France’s asset recovery agency, Agrasc.
Recent successes in bilateral cooperation include Morocco’s prevention of terrorist attacks by dismantling Islamic State-related cells and extraditing major French drug offenders. Darmanin previously visited Morocco in April to discuss security measures related to the Paris Olympics while praising Moroccan efforts in apprehending top drug traffickers.
Furthermore, discussions also encompass the facilitation of consular passes, which will aid in expelling irregular migrants without documentation. This aligns with earlier agreements to streamline deportation processes for individuals required to leave French territory.
Darmanin’s visit signifies heightened diplomatic relations between France and Morocco, building on previous visits, including that of French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Senate President Gérard Larcher. These efforts underline renewed ties following France’s acknowledgment of Morocco’s claim over its Sahara region. Additionally, Darmanin aims to enhance civil law cooperation addressing various familial legal matters between the two countries.
In conclusion, Minister Gérald Darmanin’s visit to Morocco underscores the strengthening judicial partnership between France and Morocco. With key discussions revolving around asset confiscation, counter-terrorism, and organized crime, both nations aim to improve the efficacy of their judicial cooperation. The ongoing diplomatic exchanges are indicative of a renewed commitment to enhance bilateral relations and address mutual concerns.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
