Morocco: Hirak Al-Shaabi protests on October 27-28 banned /update 2

Event

Al-Hoceima's provincial government announced on Thursday, October 26, a ban on the Hirak Al-Shaabi any protests on Friday, October 27, as well as those planned nationwide for Saturday, October 28, for "disregarding legal procedures in force". The movement called for nationwide protests starting at 18:00 (local time) on Saturday to demand the release of detained members, particularly those arrested for protesting in Al-Hoceima. Saturday's protest has been planned to coincide with the anniversary of the death of Mouhcine Fikri last year, considered the date on which the Hirak Al-Shaabi protest movement began. Significant transportation disruptions are possible in cities throughout the country, particularly in the Rif region. As the protests are banned, a significant security presence is likely and violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Hirak Al-Shaabi leader Nasser Zefzafi is currently detained and faces the death penalty for "undermining the internal security of the state" after spearheading the protest movement that provoked widespread demonstrations across northern Morocco's Rif region. The other protesters on trial face sentences of five to 20 years in prison. A hearing in Casablanca on Tuesday, October 24, proved chaotic due to the number of people in attendance and the judge consequently suspended the hearing and rescheduled the trial for October 31.

The Hirak Al-Shaabi movement (Popular Movement) started in Al-Hoceima (Rif region) in October 2016. The movement is broadly focused on curbing perceived government corruption, widespread social injustice, poverty, and underdevelopment.

The Rif region, especially the city of 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 cracked down on the protests and arrested more than 100 people, including Zefzafi. In June, thousands of people rallied in Al-Hoceima to demand his release and frustrations have mounted further following the release of a video July 10, which activists claim shows evidence of Zefzafi's mistreatment at the hands of authorities. A Moroccan protester severely injured in protests in Al-Hoceima on July 20 died on August 8, also raising tensions throughout the country.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering as a precaution.