Moroccan prosecutors have charged more than 2,400 people in connection with a wave of youth-led demonstrations that turned violent across the country, officials confirmed this week. Of those charged, 1,473 remain in pre-trial detention, facing serious accusations including armed rebellion, property destruction, and incitement to commit felonies.
The protests, spearheaded by the social media-driven movement “Gen Z 212,” began as peaceful rallies calling for better public services, greater accountability, and a fairer distribution of state spending. However, they quickly escalated into violent confrontations in several cities, leaving three people dead, dozens injured, and widespread property damage.
Among those detained is rapper Hamza Raid, whose politically charged lyrics have become an anthem for frustrated youth. His arrest in Casablanca has galvanized young protesters, many of whom now rally under banners demanding “Justice for the Detainees.”
In Rabat, three defendants — two students and a print worker — appeared in court on Monday, accused of insulting public officials and inciting unrest through activist slogans. Their lawyers have appealed for bail, insisting their clients were exercising their constitutional right to free expression.
Prosecutors reported over 400 convictions so far, with sentences ranging from one to fifteen years in prison, while 34 individuals were acquitted.
Human rights advocates, including Human Rights Watch, have warned that Morocco’s handling of the protests risks deepening generational divides and eroding trust between citizens and the state. “Suppressing peaceful youth movements will only fuel resentment and instability,” the group said in a statement.
Despite the crackdown, Gen Z 212 remains defiant, continuing to mobilize online and calling for the release of all detainees. Activists say the movement represents not just a protest against government policy, but a broader struggle for dignity, opportunity, and political inclusion in a country where many young people feel unheard.
Source:Africa Publicity
