Rabat - If adopted, the new draft law of proposed amendments to the Penal Code could give the Central Bureau of Judicial Investigation (BCIJ) - an offshoot of Morocco's domestic intelligence agency (DGST) - expanded powers, said the Bureau's chief Abdelhak Khiame.
In a meeting with the media, Abdelhak Khiame said the BCIJ is awaiting the promulgation of the new penal code to see whether the bureau will have additional powers to include the fight against other forms of crime. He added that the bureau is adapting to changes affecting both the legal arsenal and criminality.
Abdelhak Khiame said the BCIJ was able to abort several terrorist plans thanks to the collaboration with French counterparts, Spanish and other European countries.
"To effectively fight against terrorism, all countries have to cooperate […] especially that at the regional level, Tindouf and the Sahel are a fertile ground for terrorism," he said.
The BCIJ chief also denied allegations of arrests outside the law.
He acknowledged that announcing intentions to travel to hotspots or pledge allegiance to a violent ideology does not constitute grounds for making a citizen's arrest. However, Khiame said that there is always a need to take follow-up action in order to prevent potential hazards.
"Vigilance must be maintained at the highest level not only by security services, but also by all citizens, because our security is our first asset," he concluded.
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