Morocco Cracks Down: 193 Face Prosecution in Wake of GenZ 212 Protests

In a statement to the press, Zakaria Laaroussi, a magistrate, head of the unit for monitoring the execution of repressive measures and judicial decisions within the Presidency of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, said that a request had been filed to conduct an investigation against 18 suspects, 16 of whom had been placed in detention on the orders of the investigating judge. 19 other suspects are also being prosecuted in detention given the seriousness of the acts committed, some of whom acted under the influence of drugs, he added.

Laaroussi went on to say that 158 suspects are being prosecuted at liberty. For 24 other suspects, the case has been closed, while others have been released after being heard. The peaceful demonstrations launched by the GenZ 212 group have degenerated, leading to acts of violence and destruction of private or public property, acts of looting and disturbance of public order. Judicial investigations have been initiated under the supervision of the competent public prosecutors following these acts that have undermined the safety and security of citizens, details Zakaria Laaroussi.

Following the investigations, suspects have been brought before the juvenile justice system. The investigations also revealed that some young people incited others to demonstrate by disseminating erroneous content on social networks. According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, made public on Tuesday, September 30, 263 members of the security forces were injured during these unauthorized demonstrations, 23 civilians were affected, 409 people were taken into custody and numerous material damage was recorded. The authorities promise to act firmly and in respect of human rights.

The investigation is ongoing in order to apprehend all the people involved in the commission of these acts, which occurred on September 30, he added, assuring that the competent public prosecutors will ensure the firm and strict application of the law in order to preserve public order and security, in respect of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.