OSAC/CRIME SAFETY REPORT FOR MOROCCO

UNCLAS RABAT 000044 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/NEA AND DS/DSS/ITA DEPT ALSO FOR CA/OCS AND NEA/MAG CASABLANCA FOR CG, RSO AND CONSULAR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC AMGT APER MO SUBJECT: OSAC/CRIME SAFETY REPORT FOR MOROCCO REF: 08 STATE 132056 ¶1. The following information is keyed to reftel. ¶I. OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION: ¶A. CRIME THREATS: In general, crime in Morocco does not pose a great threat to Americans visiting or working in this country. However, every individual visiting or working in a foreign country should take security precautions and should be aware of their own personal safety. Morocco and the United States are similar in that crime trends are generally higher in areas where there is a high concentration of people and tourists. The same precautions that one might take in a large U.S. city should also be exercised in Moroccan cities. Property crimes are the most common and range from simple pick-pocketing to home burglaries. In particular, pick-pockets and purse snatchers generally work in crowded areas of cities, for instance, the medinas (outdoor markets), city centers and any other areas where there is heavy pedestrian traffic. Visitors should also pay particular attention when utilizing automatic teller machines (ATMs),as these can be specifically targeted by thieves. Pick-pockets and purse snatchers have become increasingly organized and professional and often work in teams to increase their chances of success. It is common for thieves to distract would-be victims, while their partners steal wallets, purses and cash from their victims. Firearms are not common in Morocco and are strictly controlled by the Government. Therefore, firearms are not utilized often during armed robberies. Instead, most armed assailants utilize edged weapons, i.e., knives, razors, daggers or swords, during the commission of their crimes. The numbers of armed robberies is on the rise in Morocco, with most of these crimes occurring in the larger cities. Although there has been an increase in the number of armed robberies during daylight hours, most still occur at night. Visitors should avoid being out alone and during the late hours of the night or early hours of the morning in areas that are poorly lit or secluded. ¶B. SAFETY: ROAD CONDITIONS AND ROAD HAZARDS Traffic accidents are a major concern, when traveling in the cities and around the country. On average, more than 10 Moroccans perish in motor vehicle accidents each day. Morocco experiences a high number of traffic accidents each year varying from simple fender-benders to fatalities involving other vehicles and pedestrians. Generally, the population does not abide by traffic laws, with speeding being the biggest issue. Visitors to Morocco who drive must have their Passport and/or International Driver,s License with them and will be required to present either, if they are stopped by the local police or the Royal Gendarmerie. Confiscation of one,s driver,s license is possible, if the violator is unable or unwilling to settle the fine at the time of the traffic stop. Royal Gendarmerie check-points and temporary speed control points are frequently erected along the auto-routes and roads entering into the cities. These checkpoints are established to verify drivers' documents and vehicle safety. Moroccan roads vary from those that are well maintained to those that are in disrepair and barely passable. Public transportation varies from taxis and buses to trains. Taxis and buses are operated throughout most cities, but these vehicles are often poorly maintained, overcrowded and may be operated in a reckless manner. It is common to see a mid-sized sedan taxi with six (6) passengers weaving in and out of traffic. Trains are primarily utilized for transportation between cities. Casablanca has a limited &subway8 system, which is utilized primarily by commuters and individuals accessing the airport. This system is very limited and experiences crimes of pick-pocketing, as one would experience in the medinas or large pedestrian gatherings. II. POLITICAL VIOLENCE: ¶A. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE: In 2007, Casablanca experienced terrorist bombings that targeted some of the more populated areas of the city and the U.S. Consulate. No Americans were killed during these attacks, and after investigations, they appeared to be less organized than attacks seen in other parts of the world. Also in that same year, a suicide bomber unsuccessfully targeted a public bus in Meknes. To date, Rabat has not experienced a successful terrorist attack. In spite of more than 100 arrests in 2008, terrorist cells are still believed to be operating in and around Morocco. ¶B. REGIONAL TERRORISM AND ORGANIZED CRIME: Morocco does have an element of domestic terrorism. However, these groups, primary focus is on Moroccan government institutions and secondarily on Western and U.S. interests or policies. Morocco does have an element of organized crime that is rooted in the illegal drug trade and importation of stolen vehicles from Europe. ¶C. INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM OR TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM The potential for terrorist attacks against American interest remains high in Morocco, but the Government of Morocco continues its efforts to identify, locate and disrupt Islamic extremist and terrorist cells that are operating in this country. The security services of Morocco have had many successful arrests and subsequent prosecutions of members of terrorist cells living and operating in Morocco. Those arrested in recent years have been linked with radical extremism, and some have allegedly been associated with regional and international terrorist groups. ¶D. CIVIL UNREST: In January of 2009, Casablanca and Rabat, in particular, experienced large, public protests over the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. These protests range from as little as a few hundred protesters to as many as 50,000. The majority of protests are peaceful in nature, with the occasional flag burning and anti-American and Israeli chants and slogans. All lawful protests require the authorization by the local police jurisdiction. This allows the police to establish the duration, route and parameters of the protest. However, impromptu protests have arisen on university campuses, in city centers other locations where there are internationally affiliated facilities in response to world events and the status of the Western Sahara, which continues to be a politically charged issue in Morocco. These reactive protests have the potential to become more violent, as they are usually in response to a particular local or world event, which fuels the emotions or incites an angry response. Unauthorized protests are usually met with an overwhelming, reactive response by the police. However, visitors are advised to avoid all protests, especially those involving direct links to conflicts involving Americans or U.S. policies. III. POST SPECIFIC CONCERNS: ¶A. ENVIRONMENTAL: The rainy season in Morocco is from November to March and often involves flash floods in the mountainous areas of the country. These floods can materialize quickly and impact individuals traveling in the rural areas of Morocco by causing land slides and damaging otherwise navigable roads to the extent that they become impassable. In addition, flash floods and extensive rains can also have a direct impact in the cities where the drainage systems are not sufficient to carry away excess water caused by heavy rains. Many streets can become flooded and impassable, which may increase the propensity for vehicular accidents. ¶B. INDUSTRIAL AND TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS: Few industrial accidents are reported in Morocco. Automobile accidents occur often and vary from the simple fender-bender to fatalities. These accidents are due in part to the lack of adherence to established traffic laws and limited driver training. It is not uncommon to see drivers disregard traffic control lights, drive against the flow of traffic or not adhere to the established lane designations. Drivers should pay particular attention when traveling late at night or early in the morning when there is limited traffic. At these times, individuals are less likely to obey traffic laws, and there is a greater potential for individuals driving under the influence of alcohol. Some taxis, in particular the &grand taxi" (interurban taxi) or "taxi blanc8 have an additional negative impact on traffic because they are overcrowded and may pay little attention to the rules of the road. Visitors who decide to drive in Morocco should remain attentive and avoid distractions. ¶C. KIDNAPPINGS: Kidnappings are not prevalent in Morocco, but there have been increasing numbers in this region of Africa. This is a common terrorist tactic that may migrate to Morocco. ¶D. DRUGS AND NARCOTERRORISM: The drug trade is thoroughly entrenched in Morocco. The primary drugs exported are hashish and marijuana. Most of the illegal drugs produced or transported through Morocco are destined for European markets. Morocco is quickly becoming a transit country for narco-terrorists who funnel their products from sub-Saharan countries and South American countries into Europe. Recent arrests have involved members of the Royal Navy, Royal Gendarmerie and Auxiliary Forces (all are government security or military agencies in Morocco). Even with the prevalence of hashish/marijuana in Morocco, visitors must understand that it is still illegal to possess illegal substances. These laws are enforced by the police and are applicable to all of those in possession, regardless of whether or not the person is a Moroccan citizen or a foreign national. IV. POLICE RESPONSE: ¶A. PROCEDURES FOR VICTIMS OF POLICE DETENTION OR HARASSMENT: Police harassment of visitors and foreign nationals, especially Americans, is very rare. There have been incidents where Americans have been arrested and detained. In the cases that visitors are arrested or experience legitimate police harassment, they should contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. ¶B. PROCEDURES FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES: The Moroccan police force is based on the French system, with the "Surete National" enforcing law in the urban areas and the Royal Gendarmerie in the rural areas. Moroccan law enforcement officials are well trained, with many attending international training programs provided by a variety of countries. However, the police are understaffed and in some cases under-equipped. The Moroccan police generally respond effectively to a report of a foreign victim of a crime. This quick reaction and the familiarity of the police with the people and area they patrol have oftentimes resulted in quick arrests of perpetrators. Therefore, it is important that all crimes be reported in a timely manner and detailed statements be provided. All police officers speak French or Arabic, but English translation may not be readily available. In the event that a visitor is the victim of a crime and requires assistance, s/he should contact American Citizen Services at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca. ¶V. MEDICAL EMERGENCIES: ¶A. Morocco has adequate medical services available in the large cities, with care diminishing as one travels further into the rural areas of the country. The medical facilities and hospitals in Rabat and Casablanca can treat most general illness and can provide emergency trauma care. However, specialized care, which is widely available in the United States, is not as easily accessible in Morocco. French and Arabic are widely spoken and medical personnel may have limited to no English-language abilities. Prescription and over-the-counter drugs can be obtained from pharmacies located throughout large cities but may be difficult or impossible to find in the smaller cities or rural areas of the country. Specialty prescription medications may be difficult to locate even in Casablanca and Rabat. In the event of a medical emergency or serious traffic accident, immediate ambulance services are usually not available. The numbers below represent a sample of medical services available but should not be interpreted as recommended by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General. Police Emergency Service ) 190 (dialed from a cell phone) Fire Department / Emergency Ambulance ) 150 Private Ambulance Service ) 037-72-72-72 (Rabat), 022-25-25-25 (Casablanca) Air Ambulance Service (Rota, Spain) - 0034-56-82-3555 Private Clinics and Hospitals: Agdal Clinic (Rabat) 037-77-77-77 Nations Unies Clinic (Rabat) 037-67-05-05 Clinique Badr (Casablanca) 022-49-28-00 Zerktouni Clinic (Casablanca) 022-25-33-00 Polyclinic du Sud (Marrakech) 024-44-79-99 Assalam Clinic (Tangier) 039-32-25-58 For more medical clinics and specialty offices, please visit www.casablanca.usconsulate.gov. VI. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS: It is important, while traveling or working in Morocco, that visitors are aware that they may be specifically targeted by the local criminal population. Most visitors, who are the victim of crimes, are involved in property crimes. Thus, it is important to make oneself a harder target. This may include but is not limited to dressing in a more conservative manner, not displaying large amounts of currency, talking on cell phones in a manner as not to expose the phone to possible snatching, carrying wallets in front pockets for men, ensuring that purse straps are over one,s shoulder and one,s head with the purse positioned in the front for women, not wearing elaborate jewelry or watches, etc. If one chooses to drive in Morocco, ensure that your windows are raised and the doors remain locked, while in transit. Criminals will attempt to surreptitiously enter your vehicle when stopped at traffic lights or will attempt to draw you out of your vehicle by otherwise harmless means, in order to enter your vehicle and steal your belongings. It is against the law in Morocco to utilize your cellular telephone without a hands-free device while driving. Visitors, especially females, should make a concerted effort to travel in pairs and avoid walking alone, especially at night. Taxis are the most common method of public transit in the larger cities. &Petits Taxis8 are the safest of the taxi services and can be found in every major city. Unlike other services, the &Petits Taxis8 limit themselves to three (3) people at a time. Establishments that could be perceived as catering to U.S. or western interests, such as hotels, clubs, restaurants, etc., could be potential targets for terrorism. Visitors should remain particularly alert and informed during periods of heightened tension in the country or region. It is important that visitors make a special effort to reduce their profile, attempt to blend into the society as much as possible and not bring unwanted attention to themselves. The Regional Security Offices at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat and at the U.S. Consulate General in Casablanca remain the best sources of information for the latest on the security situation. VII. FURTHER INFORMATION: Utilize the Consular Information Sheet at Travel.State.Gov for additional travel information as well as the latest travel warnings and public announcements regarding the security/safety situation in the country or region. U.S. Embassy: 037-76-22-65 U.S. Embassy (after-hours): 037-76-96-39 U.S. Consulate General Casablanca: 022-26-45-50 U.S. Consulate General American Citizen Services: 022-26-71-51 When dialing Morocco from the United States, dial the country code &2128 and drop the first &08 in the above numbers. Senior Regional Security Officer (Rabat): George G. Frederick Assistant Regional Security Officer (Rabat): Josh S. Godbois Assistant Regional Security Officer (Rabat): Enrique &Henry8 Laxa Regional Security Officer (Casablanca): Yvon Guillaume Chief, Consular Section: Miguel Ordonez Commercial Officer: Rick Ortiz American Citizen Services Officer: Chris Bergaust ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley