02 Oct 2019 | 08:52 AM UTC
Morocco: Protest planned in Rabat October 2 /update 1
Human rights association calls for protest in Rabat October 2; heightened security and localized traffic disruptions expected
Event
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights has called for a protest in Rabat on Wednesday, October 2, to denounce a Court of First Instance decision to sentence the journalist Hajar Raissouni to one year in prison on charges of "illegal abortion." Protesters are expected to gather outside Parliament at 17:30 (local time).
Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected around the protest site. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.
Context
A similar protest took place in Rabat on September 16 to demand Raissouni's immediate release.
On September 30, Morocco's Court of First Instance condemned Raissouni to a year in prison on charges of "illegal abortion". Her fiance Amin Rifaat received the same sentence while the doctor accused of performing the abortion was condemned to two years in jail. Several journalists and human rights organizations have condemned the trial, linking Raissouni's arrest to her work at the Akhbar al-Yaoum newspaper, which frequently criticize the state.
Advice
Individuals in Rabat are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
