A 14-year-old girl was verbally and physically assaulted by the driver in the city of Ouazzane for eating during the day in Ramadan.

A 14-year-old girl was beaten by a school driver for eating on a bus during Ramadan , local media reported.

The girl was verbally and physically assaulted by the driver in the city of Ouazzane, north-east of Rabat.



Local rights groups said the bus driver also proceeded to spread a rumour that the girl was an atheist.

The Moroccan League for the Defence of Human Rights issued a statement denouncing his actions.

"[His actions] meant that many of her classmates broke off social ties with her. The student is currently experiencing an extremely difficult psychological state," the statement said.

The girl's parents, who submitted a formal complaint against the bus driver, said their daughter had a legitimate reason not to fast, as she was menstruating, according to Moroccan news site H24Info.

Adult Muslims are required to fast from dawn until dusk during Islam's holiest month. Exceptions are given for the sick, elderly and women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing.

Authorities in Morocco play an active role in policing religious practices for Muslims, and disrespecting Islam in public can carry punishment that includes a prison sentence.



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