According to the Moroccan news outlet Goud, Mohammed Abdelwahab Rafiki, better known as Abou Hafs, has been appointed as an advisor to Abdellatif Ouahbi, the Minister of Justice.
Abou Hafs, a former prominent figure in Morocco’s Salafi movement, has a controversial past. He was previously arrested in connection with the 2003 Casablanca terrorist attacks, following his travels to Afghanistan. However, he received a royal pardon after having significantly adjusted his views.
Since then, he started holding liberal perspectives on a variety of issues like advocating the concept of separation of state and religion and being outspoken in the media about them.
Most notably, he staunchly opposes Article 490, a law that criminalizes consensual sexual relations. This is a position shared by the current Minister of Justice, who has openly advocated for its abolition.
Ouahbi is in the process of drafting a legislative proposal to decriminalize consensual sexual relations, one that he hopes will gain approval from the King of Morocco, who holds the supreme religious authority in the country, and secure passage through parliament.
