Police Crackdown on Peaceful Medical Student Protests Escalates in Morocco

The exam boycott by Moroccan medical students has entered its 10th month, with the situation taking a troubling turn as police escalate their crackdown on peaceful protests. Tensions between students and the government continue to rise, with over 75% of medical students nationwide rejecting the government’s latest offer. Students have voiced frustration over inadequate equipment, low training pay, and ongoing issues with exam scheduling, leaving the academic year in jeopardy.

In a disturbing development, police in Rabat forcefully dispersed a peaceful sit-in outside a medical school on Wednesday evening, reportedly arresting over 10 students. Multiple injuries were reported among the protesters, including members of the National Committee of Medical, Dental, and Pharmacy Students. Even a parent supporting their child was allegedly detained by police. This heavy-handed response has drawn widespread condemnation, as students demand their right to protest without fear of violence.

Despite the intensifying crackdown, students remain undeterred and committed to peaceful escalation, planning nationwide protests in Rabat on October 15. They accuse the Ministry of Higher Education of making unilateral decisions that have deepened the crisis and blame the government for wasting 10 months of the academic year. Broken promises and a lack of genuine dialogue have only fueled the students’ resolve to continue their fight for dignity and better conditions for Morocco’s future doctors.