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.

The case comes weeks after Morocco criminalized sexual harassment

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 law is crucially needed in a country where violence against women is an epidemic issue

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 continue their brave fight against all forms of abuse

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.