Reports Renew Scrutiny of Occult Tourism and Child Exploitation Networks in Morocco
Rights reports and independent media have renewed attention to occult-related activities, exploitation and child abuse in parts of Morocco, prompting renewed calls for stronger law enforcement and greater protection of vulnerable communities. Moroccan authorities have not publicly endorsed these accusations and have previously emphasized the need to distinguish between folklore, criminal activity and unverified information.
By Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS — Human rights reports and independent Moroccan media have renewed scrutiny of accusations surrounding occult-related activities, exploitation networks and child abuse in parts of Morocco, reviving debate over law enforcement, public protection and the regulation of practices associated with sorcery and superstition.
The discussion has gained renewed visibility following the circulation of online content stating that certain areas of Morocco have become destinations for individuals seeking rituals associated with so-called “black magic” and occult practices.
Among the locations repeatedly cited in rights reports, investigative media accounts and public debate are the regions of Souss and Taroudant, which are frequently portrayed in popular narratives as destinations for individuals seeking occult rituals. Other locations mentioned include neighborhoods in Salé and Casablanca’s Souk Jmiâ, where reports have described the sale of animal remains, herbs and other materials associated with traditional magical practices.
Human rights organizations 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 and have previously stressed the importance of distinguishing between folklore, criminal conduct and unverified information.
Rights groups call for stronger action against child exploitation
Among the most serious accusations cited in the reports are those concerning criminal groups involved in illicit treasure hunting targeting so-called “Zohri” children—a term rooted in popular folklore describing children believed to possess distinctive physical characteristics regarded as significant in occult beliefs.
Rights organizations have called for investigations into reports of child abductions, trafficking and abuse associated with these criminal networks, particularly in economically disadvantaged areas where vulnerable families may be exposed to exploitation.
Separate reports have also drawn attention to certain religious shrines and pilgrimage sites that some visitors associate with spiritual or supernatural rituals. Researchers and sociologists, however, have argued that many such locations reflect complex intersections between traditional beliefs, folklore and local customs, cautioning against conflating cultural practices with criminal activity without supporting evidence.
The broader debate has also highlighted concerns over fraud committed in the name of spiritual healing, fortune-telling and sorcery, practices that rights advocates say disproportionately affect socially and economically vulnerable individuals.
More broadly, issues relating to superstition, fraudulent spiritual practices, child protection and sexual exploitation continue to generate discussion within Moroccan civil society, with domestic rights organizations and international bodies calling for stronger safeguards for vulnerable groups, more effective enforcement of existing legislation and greater public awareness to combat exploitation carried out under the guise of traditional or occult practices.
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