The Public Prosecutor’s Office in Morocco has requested that the attorneys general provide a report on wanted individuals by the end of October 2025, following an update process based on a circular concerning the “Review of Search Notices.”
The circular aims to regulate the issuance and cancellation of search notices, emphasizing the importance of balancing the execution of judicial procedures with the protection of individual freedoms guaranteed by the constitution. This initiative aligns with enhancing the criminal policy overseen by the presidency, which prioritizes individual freedom protection.
The circular clarified that search notices serve as a legal mechanism used to apprehend individuals suspected of committing criminal acts, execute arrest warrants, or enforce custodial sentences. Given that this measure is implemented nationwide and remains in effect until the individual is apprehended, it is considered a restriction on freedom, necessitating cautious and necessary use.
The presidency stressed the need to adhere to legal standards when issuing notices, including the requirement for substantial reasons and written directives, allowing for verbal authorization in urgent or flagrant cases. It also called for regular reviews of active notices to confirm their continued justification and to promptly cancel them upon the individual’s apprehension or referral of their case to the judiciary.
The circular highlighted concrete achievements from 2021 to 2023, with 153,461 search notices canceled due to statute of limitations or other reasons, along with the cancellation of 42,234 notices related to physical coercion. This progress is attributed to the commitment of judicial authorities to implement previous directives, including circular No. 11/س/رن ع issued on April 12, 2021.
Additionally, the circular urged coordination with the judicial police to update lists of wanted individuals and implement the contents of the practical guide for enhancing criminal investigations issued on May 5, 2025. Judicial authorities were requested to submit reports on the outcomes of the updates by the end of October 2025 and to consult the presidency if any difficulties arise.
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