Morocco: Possible protests after court verdict in Al-Hoceima

Event

The Al-Hoceima Court of First Instance sentenced nine activists from the “Hirak al-Chaabi” protest movement to prison sentences of up to 20 years on Tuesday, August 29. Some of the activists were also found guilty of committing arson against a police building in the neighboring town of Imzouren in March 2017. Potentially escalating demonstrations, and an increased security presence, should be anticipated throughout Morocco in the coming days and weeks.

Context

This current Moroccan protest movement, called “Hirak al Chaabi” (Popular Movement), is the largest since those of the Arab Spring in 2011. They are broadly focused on perceived government corruption, widespread social injustice, and underdevelopment.

Al-Hoceima has been plagued by 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. 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 Hirak (Mobility) 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. A Moroccan protester severely injured in protests in Al-Hoceima (Rif region) on July 20 died on August 8, raising tensions throughout the country. He was the first demonstrator to be killed since unrest started in the Rif region in October 2016.

Advice

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