Imprisoned Rif Protest Leader Calls for Paris March on Anniversary of Fishmonger’s Death

In a correspondence dictated to his father by telephone, Zefzafi called for the protest march. This letter is addressed in particular to the Riffians living in Europe, asking them to gather in Paris on October 26. In his correspondence, Zefzafi asks them not to let "despair invade and overcome them. "Our path to freedom is long and difficult," he recalls, before adding that "patience and hope are the necessary weapon to fight against their difficulties until the realization of their objectives." "Our people (Rifi) are going through a difficult period that can be overcome and fought by setting aside everything that leads to division and discord," Zefzafi wrote.

The leader of the Hirak of the Rif, who is currently serving his sentence in the Ras Lma prison in Fez, recalled that "the victory of their ancestors over colonialism began with the end of tribal conflicts and the unification of the ranks, the interest of the Rif being superior to everything else."

Fikri’s death had sparked a wave of outrage and demonstrations in Al Hoceima and the northern Morocco in general. Through social slogans, the protesters denounced the social disparities in the region and called on the government to put in place infrastructure such as roads, universities and hospitals.