Protests demanding better healthcare, education, and social justice in Morocco are continuing without signs of slowing down. Despite a climate of repression and arrests during the first three days of demonstrations, calls for sit-ins remain active, with young people taking to the streets to voice their demands.
In Rabat, videos circulating on social media show violent clashes between security forces and protesters. According to several sources, around sixty youths were arrested on Monday in the capital, while in Casablanca the number is believed to be much higher. Among those detained was rapper Raid, arrested for the third time since Saturday. The wave of police violence has prompted strong reactions from Moroccan human rights associations and political parties.
NGOs such as the Moroccan Association for Human Rights, the Moroccan League for Citizenship and Human Rights, and the Moroccan League for the Defense of Human Rights condemned the excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators. They held the government responsible for worsening social conditions and for violating constitutional rights, expressing their “shock and anger” at the reliance on a security-first approach. These groups demanded the immediate release of all detainees and a full investigation into reported abuses.
They stressed that the demonstrations—organized by young people via social media—were peaceful and centered on social and economic demands, particularly the rights to healthcare, education, employment, dignity, and the fight against corruption and inflation. Activist Nasser Zefzafi also strongly criticized the authorities’ handling of the so-called “Generation Z” protests, warning from prison in Tangier that repression and arrests instead of dialogue reflect a destructive “After me, the deluge” policy. He cautioned that such an approach could bring serious consequences for the country’s future.
Mobilization is expected to continue throughout the week, with new sit-ins announced for Wednesday at 6 p.m. in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Inzegane, Tetouan, Fez, Meknes, Beni Mellal, Oujda, and Marrakech. In recent days, several Moroccan cities have witnessed protests organized by the GenZ 212 collective. These young demonstrators are demanding stronger public services, job creation, an effective fight against corruption, and social support that goes beyond projects tied to hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Observers and analysts were surprised by the scale, organization, and messaging of these gatherings, which were officially banned by the authorities. Protesters chanted slogans such as “The people want to end corruption,” “Freedom, dignity, social justice,” and “No World Cup, health first.”
