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


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Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
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Riley