The Pardon of Pardon of Morocco
In recent years, Morocco has adopted a massive freedom strategy for many of its prisoners, including those convicted of crimes related to terrorism. This policy has led to alarms in Spain, which fears that the return of these individuals will increase the country’s vulnerability to jihadism.
Numbers that speak
According to a report prepared by Rubén Pulido for the Gaceta, King Mohamed VI has released more than 37,000 prisoners between 2019 and April 2025.These pardons often coincide with significant dates in the country, such as Ramadan or Independence Day, and seek to alleviate the burden of the prison system, but the release of 66 jihadists is a great reason for Spanish authorities.
An increasingly worrying panorama
Statistics reveal an alarming increase in the number of pardons. In 2019, there were about 4,800 releases, but this figure grew, reaching a record of more than 9,600 pardons in 2024, including the massive freedom of cannabis farmers. In the first months of 2025, almost 3,000 prisoners have been released, including 31 individuals with extremism crimes.
Migratory and safety routes
Frontex and National Police authorities have warned that many of the pardons use irregular immigration routes to access Spain. By 2024, the country recorded the illegal arrival of more than 64,000 people, with 13.3% of them from Morocco. By 2025, about 900 Moroccans have entered illegally, mainly by the Canary Islands, and some have admitted that they came from prison.
Delay for international cooperation
This situation complicates the collaboration between Spain and Morocco on security issues, despite the agreements established since 2019 and the joint patrols on the border. In addition, the lack of coordination with Frontex hinders the identification of possible terrorist threats, thus creating a scenario that requires a more effective international response to the challenge of illegal immigration and terrorism.
Final reflections
The current situation requires a deep review of security and immigration strategies in Spain and Morocco. The interconnection between the policy of pardons and migratory routes highlights the need for a more coordinated and effective response to a problem that affects the national security and territorial integrity of Spain.
