Reports Raise Concerns Over Black Magic Tourism and Child Protection in Morocco
Human rights reports and independent media have reported on the existence of networks linked to occult practices and exploitation, while raising questions over the enforcement of existing laws. Moroccan authorities have not publicly endorsed such accusations.
By Dr. Hana Saada
RABAT — A number of Moroccan human rights organisations and independent media outlets have raised concerns over what they describe as the growth of a clandestine economy centred on occult practices, commonly referred to as “black magic tourism,” noting that the phenomenon attracts visitors from abroad and generates significant illicit revenues.
According to those reports, certain locations in Morocco—including parts of the Souss region, Taroudant, Salé and Casablanca—have become associated with practitioners offering services linked to fortune-telling, sorcery and other occult rituals. The reports also cite the sale of animal remains, herbs and other items believed by some practitioners to be used in ritual practices.
Human rights advocates further said that some historic shrines and religious sites have become destinations for visitors seeking rituals associated with spiritual healing or supernatural beliefs, facilitated by informal intermediaries. These accounts describe a growing commercial activity surrounding such practices, although their scale has not been independently verified.
Among the most serious accusations cited in the reports are those concerning criminal groups targeting the so-called “Zohri” children—a term used in popular folklore to describe children believed to possess distinctive physical characteristics regarded as significant in occult beliefs. Human rights organisations have called for investigations into reported cases of child abduction and abuse linked to such practices.
The reports also question the enforcement of existing legislation governing fraud, illegal spiritual practices and child protection, arguing that stronger oversight is needed to combat criminal activity exploiting superstition and vulnerable communities.
Moroccan authorities have not publicly confirmed the existence of organised “black magic tourism” networks or the broader accusations contained in the reports. Existing Moroccan law criminalises fraud and a range of offences relating to violence against children, while authorities have periodically announced operations against criminal networks involved in various illegal activities.
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