[View the story "After #RIPAmina, Morocco considers change" on Storify ]After #RIPAmina, Morocco considers change Government proposes ending controversial marriage practice for accused rapists. Storified by The Stream · Wed, Jan 23 2013 11:22:33
Netizens celebrated the
announcement of the proposed changes, which may include a prison sentence of up to 30 years for rape of a minor. Many discussed the news with the hashtag #RIPAmina, which netizens had
previously used to draw attention to Filali's death.
The legacy of Amina Filali's case. Morocco to axe a law that allowed rapists to go free if they marry their victim: http://bit.ly/XxDKZnLaila Lalami
Below, @somiav writes: "Without media coverage of the #RIPAmina case from some Twitter users and Facebook, we would not be here, bravo to you."
Sans la médiatisation du cas #RIPAmina impulsée par certains Twittos et FB on en serait pas là bravo à vousGroupie20
@Un_Marocain posts a map that shows how #RIPAmina spread globally after her death, writing, "A thought to all those who contributed in one way or another to the abolition of forced marriage, including #RIPAmina".
Une pensée à celles qui ont contribué d'une manière ou autre à l'abolition du mariage forcé, dont #RIPAmina. #RAPE475 http://pic.twitter.com/9YF1cLiWUn Marocain ™
But netizens cautioned that the proposed change is only an initial step toward increased legal protection for women.
#PT Amended Law far from perfect. Differentiates btwn rape resulting in "deflowering" and "just plain rape". *hijabdesk* #VAW #rape #MoroccoShireen Ahmed
A post from the #RIPAmina Facebook page says: "We succeeded, but we must continue the fight! Still much work to do on the Penal Code and the Family Code..."
Nous avons réussi, mais il faut continuer le combat ! Encore beaucoup de travail à faire sur le code pénal et le code de la famille...
Others focused on a new case, in which a government official accused of rape was recently
declared not guilty after appealing his conviction.
Article 475 may be reformed, but Moroccan MP is acquitted of rape charges & his victim charged w/ contempt of court https://fr.lakome.com/index.php/politique/280-une-justice-au-service-des-puissantsSamia Errazzouki
The plaintiff was charged with contempt of court, reportedly for
screaming following the court's verdict. Blogger Nada Rifki writes:
Malika has been fighting for justice for three years, but Hassan has used his influence to silence her. He tried to dismiss the case, but he was convicted. He appealed his conviction and the appeals court overturned the lower court decision. Why did the judge charge Malika? What woman wouldn’t scream if her rapist was found innocent?! Malika was raped again by the appeals court.theredwalker.wordpress.com
Some Twitter users linked the case explicitly to Amina Fillali's case. @MariaBerrada1 writes below, "We are reliving the #AminaFilali affair, where justice doesn't benefit the victim. To think that the law sides with the rapist".
On revit l'affaire #AminaFilali où la victime est celle à qui la justice ne bénéficie pas. À croire que le droit est du côté des violeurs.Maria Berrada
"In another country, the deputy would be dismissed from office or he might even resign. But not in Morocco."
@LiLGeekette dans un autre pays, ce depute aurait du avant tout etre limogé de ses fonctions ou démissionne lui meme. Mais pas au MarocAdil Amouri
@Braibant1 writes, "Laws and justice for rape: one step forward, one step back for women in Morocco".
#Lois et #justice sur le #viol : un pas en avant, un pas en arrière pour les #femmes au #Maroc http://www.tv5.org/cms/chaine-francophone/Terriennes/Dossiers/p-24217-Un-pas-en-avant-un-pas-en-arriere-pour-les-femmes-au-Maroc.htm via @TV5mondeBraibant
