Morocco’s Crackdown on Protests: Excessive Force, Arbitrary Arrests, and a Threat to Fundamental Rights
Recent protests across Morocco, fueled by deep-seated socio-economic grievances, have been met with a concerning response from security forces – one characterized by excessive force, mass arbitrary arrests, and a disregard for fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression. analysis of evidence gathered by Amnesty International, alongside reports from legal observers and eyewitness accounts, paints a disturbing picture of a government resorting to suppression rather than addressing the legitimate demands of its citizens. This report details these concerns, contextualizes the unrest, and outlines the urgent need for accountability and respect for human rights.
The Roots of Discontent: A Generation Demanding Change
The protests, which began in late September 2025, erupted in cities across Morocco – Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier, Salé, Oujda, and Rabat – reflecting widespread frustration with systemic issues. A key driver is the growing discontent among Moroccan youth,identifying themselves as “Gen Z 212,” who are facing limited opportunities,failing public services,and pervasive corruption. This generation, largely organized through social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, is demanding better education, equitable healthcare, decent employment prospects, increased transparency, and effective anti-corruption measures. Adding fuel to the fire is public concern over the notable financial investment in hosting the 2030 World Cup, perceived as a misallocation of resources in the face of pressing domestic needs.
escalation and the Use of Excessive Force
While the initial days of protest were largely peaceful, the response from Moroccan security forces quickly escalated. amnesty International has documented numerous instances of excessive force, including:
* Arbitrary Arrests: Tens of videos circulating on social media, reviewed by Amnesty International, show security forces – often operating in plain clothes – forcibly detaining peaceful protesters and bystanders. Eyewitness accounts detail individuals being targeted even while simply observing or speaking to the media. One protester recounted witnessing a woman, peacefully seated and not engaging in any disruptive behavior, being violently carried into a police van after questioning the justification for her arrest.Another described police specifically targeting individuals speaking to journalists, forcibly removing them mid-interview.
* Dangerous Use of Vehicles: Disturbingly, video footage confirms security forces deliberately driving vehicles directly into groups of protesters in Oujda between September 30th and October 1st, resulting in at least one serious injury. This constitutes a flagrant violation of international human rights standards, specifically the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, which mandate authorities to prioritize minimizing harm and protecting life. Intentionally using vehicles as a weapon against unarmed demonstrators is unlawful and places lives at unacceptable risk.
* Suppression of Media Access: The targeting of individuals speaking to the media demonstrates a clear attempt to stifle self-reliant reporting and control the narrative surrounding the protests.This chilling effect on freedom of expression further undermines democratic principles.
Legal Concerns: Arbitrary Detention and Politically Motivated Charges
As of this report,official figures indicate over 409 people have been arrested since September 28th,with at least 193 facing trial,many initially released on bail. However, the actual number of detainees remains fluid and difficult to ascertain, according to lawyers consulted by Amnesty International.
A particularly concerning aspect of the legal proceedings is the application of Article 591 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which criminalizes participation in gatherings deemed “violent.” Protesters are being charged under this article despite being arrested before any acts of violence were reported, raising serious questions about the politically motivated nature of these prosecutions.This includes the detention of minors, further highlighting the disregard for due process and fundamental rights.
International Standards and morocco’s Obligations
International human rights law is clear: authorities have a responsibility to protect life and ensure the safety of protesters.While the use of force may be unavoidable in extraordinary circumstances, it must be strictly necessary, proportionate, and employed with caution to minimize harm. The documented actions of Moroccan security forces appear to fall far short of these standards.
The right to peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of a democratic society, and any restrictions on this right must be justified, proportionate, and in accordance with international law.Arbitrary detention, the suppression of freedom of expression, and the use of excessive force are all violations of fundamental human rights.
Call to Action: immediate Steps for Accountability and Reform
The Moroccan authorities must take immediate and concrete steps to address the concerns raised by these events:
* Drop Charges: Promptly drop all charges against individuals detained solely for exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
* Independent Investigation: Launch an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations of excessive force and arbitrary arrests,ensuring accountability for those responsible.
* **Respect Freedom of Expression
