Morocco: Thousands protest in Rabat July 15 /update 2

Event

Tens of thousands of people protested and marched toward the parliament building in Rabat on Sunday, July 15, demanding the release of imprisoned leaders and activists of Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi (the Popular Movement). Berber groups, members of the banned Al-Adl wal-Ihsan (Justice and Charity) Islamist movement, political opposition groups, and human rights activists reportedly participated in the protest.

The demonstration comes after a Casablanca court sentenced dozens of people with alleged connections to Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi, including Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi leader Nasser Zefzafi, to up to 20 years in prison in June for "plotting to undermine the security of the state." Additional related protests are expected in Rabat and in the Rif region in the coming weeks. A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated near protest sites.

Context

Al-Hirak Al-Shaabi provoked widespread demonstrations across northern Morocco's Rif region in late 2016 and 2017 after Mouhcine Fikri, a fishmonger, was crushed to death inside a garbage truck in Al-Hoceima (Rif region) in October 2016 while attempting to retrieve fish confiscated by police. The movement is broadly focused on curbing perceived government corruption, widespread social injustice, poverty, and underdevelopment in the Rif region.

Advice

Individuals in Rabat and the Rif region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.