A recent video criticizing the recording of girls in a changing room at a sports facility in Tangier has sparked significant controversy. This led to a rights organization demanding an investigation into the matter.
The video was filmed at a stadium in the historic Tangier region, which belongs to the local football club, Club Tanger. The stadium’s manager and the club president, Abderrahim, expressed surprise at the accusations directed towards the club and its officials regarding the alleged recording of girls while changing.
Abderrahim clarified in a press statement on June 24 that the team primarily consists of male players. He explained that surveillance cameras were installed due to incidents of theft and to ensure the safety of children and minors.
The manager noted that the league had requested the facility to host women’s teams over the past weekend, a request that was accommodated without issue. However, after the matches, one woman filmed the now-controversial video, claiming she was startled by the presence of a “camera.”
Abderrahim stated that the same team had previously hosted other matches at the facility, stressing that everyone is regularly reminded of the camera’s existence, which is primarily intended to monitor the changing rooms.
He emphasized that he personally oversees the camera’s content, using it only in cases of incidents or upon request from parents or team officials following theft or assault.
The video circulated widely on social media, particularly on the Facebook page “Women’s Football News in the North,” with a woman alleging the existence of surveillance cameras in the changing rooms without specifying the location. The source also claimed it had a recording of the facility’s manager acknowledging the camera’s activation, triggering outrage due to the blatant violation of the players’ privacy, especially for minors aged 14 to 17.
The Facebook page reported that the facility manager justified the camera’s presence as a measure to prevent theft among players’ belongings. He assured that the footage would be deleted, but this explanation was met with strong disapproval as it does not justify filming players in private moments.
The National Organization for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption described the incident as a severe violation of human dignity, asserting that filming girls in changing rooms is against Moroccan law, violating Article 24 of the constitution and Article 447 of the penal code, which criminalizes filming without consent.
The organization warned of the significant implications of the situation, especially given claims that the venue manager intended to delete the video, raising concerns over potential evidence tampering, a legally punishable act. This adds to the legal and ethical responsibilities of those overseeing the facility.
The organization called for a prompt and transparent investigation under the public prosecutor’s supervision, demanding accountability for those involved. They also urged the preservation of recordings to ascertain their content and status and recommended strict regulations for stadiums, including regular inspections and training to respect privacy.
Moreover, the rights organization emphasized the need for psychological support for the affected players and a formal apology to them and their families, asserting that this scandal is not merely an administrative error but a call for comprehensive reform to ensure that sports environments are safe for girls and not places where their dignity is compromised.
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