Morocco protesters rally against Israeli death penalty law
Moroccan demonstrators rallied in Rabat on April 19th against a new Israeli law allowing the execution of Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks classified as terrorism, with many protestors also calling for Morocco to cut ties with Israel, as reported by Africa News via AP on April 20th.
Thousands of people gathered along Mohammed V Avenue on April 19th, waving Palestinian and Moroccan flags and chanting slogans against the death penalty and Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza.
The protest was organised by the National Action Group for Palestine, a coalition bringing together several political groups, including members linked to the Justice and Development Party.
Participants framed the march as part of a broader movement in support of Palestinians. One student said protests and boycotts were the least demonstrators could do, pointing to concern for detainees who could face execution under the new law.
Others described the Israeli death penalty plan as unjust and incompatible with religious and legal principles.
Aziz El Hannaoui, a member of the organising coalition, said the rally aimed to show solidarity with Palestinian prisoners, according to AFP via Asharq Al-Awsat.
The Israeli measure would make the death penalty the default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank found guilty of carrying out deadly attacks classified as terrorism by military courts.
Additionally, the Israeli law also broadens the use of capital punishment in civilian courts under specific conditions, which are currently unclear.
The law has drawn condemnation from the Palestinian Authority, human rights groups and several foreign governments. Critics say it could create a dual legal system and conflict with Israel’s existing legal framework.
In Morocco, the measure has also fed into criticism of the country’s ties with Israel. Rabat formally established relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-brokered Abraham Accords, and cooperation has since expanded, including defence partnerships and economic investment.
The relationship has continued to draw protests, with demonstrations targeting military cooperation and Israeli-linked shipments.
The April 19th rally added to those calls, with demonstrators linking the new law to broader demands to end Israeli ties.
Africa News via AP, AFP via Asharq Al-Awsat, Maghrebi.org
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