Morocco: Protests to be held July 20 in Al-Hoceima

Event

Demonstrations are expected to be held in the restive city of Al-Hoceima on July 20. The protest over socio-economic grievances is planned to begin at 13:00 (local time). Though no location has been set, previous protests in the city have taken place in the Sidi Abed neighbourhood and surrounding area. Similar demonstrations in Al-Hoceima have been violently dispersed by security forces, who have used tear gas against crowds. There is a potential for solidarity protests to be organized across the country.

Context

The most recent wave of demonstrations began when thousands of protesters took to the streets of Al-Hoceima on May 18. Since the end of May, authorities have arrested more than 100 people, including Nasser Zefzafi - the leader of the grassroots "Popular Movement" - who has demanded improved access to jobs and development, an end to corruption, and the release of arrested protesters. In June, thousands of people rallied in Al-Hoceima to demand his release, while frustrations have mounted further following the release of a video July 10, which protesters claim show evidence of Zefzafi’s mistreatment at the hands of authorities since his arrest.

Al-Hoceima has been plagued with unrest since October 2016, when violent protests broke out after a fishmonger was killed while trying to prevent his wares from being confiscated by police. Security forces temporarily deployed to the area began to withdraw from Al-Hoceima on July 3 at the request of King Mohammed VI, after weeks of social unrest and violent clashes between police and protesters in the region.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to avoid any form of public demonstration as a precaution and to keep abreast of the general climate.