Trial over Morocco Housemaid's Death Postponed

The trial of a Moroccan whose young housemaid died after suffering severe burns in the resort city of Agadir was postponed on Thursday until January 23 because a key witness was absent.

The 14-year-old girl, identified only as Fatima, died in March after being hospitalized with burns to her face and hands, some of them third degree.

The employer, a woman, was charged with "blows and injuries unintentionally leading to death" and faces a prison term of 10-20 years if convicted.

The defendant, whose name was not given, has denied the charges and also said she was unaware of the girl's age.

Moroccan labor law prohibits children under 15 from working and even then requires authorization up until the age of 18.

Thursday's hearing was adjourned because the doctor in charge of Fatima's treatment in hospital was not in court.

Human Rights Watch has called on Moroccan authorities to put an end to the recruitment and exploitation of child domestic workers.

It has said girls as young eight were being recruited as maids, frequently beaten, verbally abused and sometimes refused adequate food by their employers.

A bill outlawing the employment of minors as domestic workers has been proposed but not yet been voted through parliament.

Reports say between 60,000 and 80,000 young girls work as maids in the north African country.