Morocco accused of human rights abuses against protestors
Human rights groups have decried the imprisonment and mistreatment of hundreds of Gen Z protestors in Morocco, according to a report in The Guardian on 18th December.
The criticisms of the government have come as the country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations on 21st December.
Youth-led demonstrations swept the nation in late September and early October, as protesters voiced discontent at the lack of funding for healthcare and education.
In response, the government arbitrarily arrested thousands of demonstrators, according to human rights groups.
The Guardian has received reports of the protestors, known as “Gen Z 212”, being beaten and deprived of food and water for hours in police custody.
The mother of an 18-year-old described the experience of her son, who was detained for two months after being arrested whilst out for a meal. She maintains he was not protesting.
She claimed her son had been beaten during the arrest with such severity that he had “lost some of his teeth.” The abuse then continued once in custody, “simply because he refused to sign police papers of his hearings.”
Souad Brahma, president of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH), said female protesters were subject to “harassment, insults, and crude and sexist remarks,” with some reporting “inappropriate touching.”
Tensions escalated on October 1st, as Law enforcement opened fire on demonstrations in the town of Lqliâa, killing three protestors and injuring 14 more. The government claims protestors entered a local police station, to which officers responded.
Amnesty International said over 2,400 people are being prosecuted in relation to the protests, with many who attended non-violent demonstrations charged with acts of violence.
Dozens have already received sentences, with some nearly 15 years. AMDH condemned the lack of lawyers during proceedings, whilst criticising inadequate investigations and the removal of other aspects of fair judicial process.
“The government clearly got scared and orchestrated this crackdown to send a strong message that they will not tolerate any form of dissent,” explained a Human Rights Watch spokesperson.
As a result of the protests, the government announced expanded spending on healthcare and education, stating its commitment to the improvement of public services.
On the eve of the African Cup of Nations, there were further reports of unrest in various Moroccan cities, with protesters calling for the discharge of imprisoned demonstrators.
The Guardian, Maghrebi.org
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