Women who are either kidnapped or raped in Morocco could end up marrying their aggressor if both families agree. Escaping justice, the aggressor will no longer be prosecuted if he marries his victim under Article 475 of the Moroccan penal code.
However, the blame does not only fall on Moroccan penal law alone but also on the traditional mindset in the Arab world. In attempt to avoid scandal, parents often agree to give their blessing to this sickening practice. Women who have lost their virginity outside of wedlock in the Arab world are considered to have brought shame on their families.
Amina Filali, 16, was triply violated; by her rapist, by tradition, and by Article 475 of Moroccan law. Amina was coerced into marrying her rapist and has now committed suicide as a result of this injustice- will her sad death bring change to this appalling practice?
