People filmed sexual assault of woman in Morocco, instead of helping

Earlier this week, Moroccan authorities launched an investigation over the attempted rape of a woman in Ain Sebaa, Casablanca, Morocco World News reported. 

In a statement on the matter, the country's General Directorate of National Security (DGSN) said they will pursue the case - despite the fact that the victim had not filed a complaint.

The announcement comes over a week after footage capturing the horrific assault sparked outrage on Twitter. 

Thousands were angered by the clip, highlighting the unfortunate fact that no one - not even those filming the incident - intervened to help save the woman. 

*The video is available online but we choose not to share it in line with ethical standards.

Last month, Morocco >officially criminalized violence against women after a new law came into effect. 

The legislation, which was approved by parliament in February, imposes fines - and in some cases prison sentences - on offenders of rape, sexual harassment, and domestic abuse.

It also amends the definition of sexual harassment in Moroccan law, to include "unsolicited acts, statements or signals of a sexual nature, delivered in person, online or via telephone."

Though the newly passed regulation is considered a step in the right direction, several women's rights activists criticized it for featuring loopholes including not explicitly criminalizing marital rape and domestic violence.

The legislation was enacted after a string of sexual assault cases were reported in recent years.

These include >gang-rape, rape in> public places, as well as the assault of minors and people with special needs.

Earlier this year, a 17-year-old victim of sexual assault named Khadija drew >worldwide attention after details of assaults she repeatedly endured were made public.

In 2016, a 16-year-old Moroccan teenager committed suicide after being abducted and gang-raped by eight men.

In 2017, four teenagers >raped a 26-year-old woman in a public bus and bystanders did not intervene to help.

Moroccan women are refusing to stay silent in the face of gender-based violence and abuse. 

Just last month, a group of Moroccan activists launched a campaign via a now viral hashtag titled "Masaktach" (I will not be silenced.)

The viral tag was initially created to call for a boycott on songs created by Saad Lamjarred, a Moroccan singer currently awaiting trial on two counts of rape in France.

It has since snowballed into a broader movement aimed at denouncing all forms of sexual harassment and assault in the country.