In a harrowing event that has shaken Morocco, a 13-year-old boy was reportedly drugged and sexually assaulted by a group of young men during a local festival. The incident occurred in the seaside town of Moulay Abdellah Amghar, where the annual Moussem festival was in full swing, attracting both locals and tourists.
The young victim, identified as Bashir, was at the festival to earn money to support his disabled mother, according to Belgian daily DHnet. Bashir was known for selling bags and assisting with car parking, making what happened next even more tragic.
Reports from local media suggest that Bashir was drugged and assaulted by about ten individuals, some of whom were minors. Despite his injuries, he attempted to return to his home in Youssoufia. However, due to his critical condition, Bashir was taken to a hospital in Marrakech, where a medical examination confirmed the assault.
Describing the scene at the hospital as “very painful,” Hamid Raudi, a representative of the Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH), stressed the imperative for immediate and thorough justice. “Any delay could be seen as a betrayal of not only Bashir but his family and society as a whole,” he remarked.
The case has sparked outrage across the nation, with Moroccans rallying online under the hashtag #AllForBashir. Police have already detained five suspects, several of whom are reportedly minors, while Bashir has managed to provide descriptions of some of his attackers.
International attention on such incidents has grown, highlighting the need for stricter protections and responses to such egregious acts. The country, grappling with the shock of the ordeal, is calling for swift justice and support for the young victim and his family.
Public discourse around Bashir’s story underscores a greater need for awareness and action against sexual violence, not just in Morocco, but globally.
The online community continues to express solidarity and demand accountability as Bashir and his family navigate the challenging road to recovery.
