Morocco Cracks Down on Urban Rodeos, Targeting Tourist Offenders

The action of the Moroccan police against rodeos on motocross or cars, "a phenomenon which, publicized on social networks, has taken on an unprecedented scale this year", even in France, proves to be fruitful. In Morocco, "the perpetrators are easily identifiable: they film themselves and broadcast their exploits on social networks. Another common point unites them: often, they are tourists," writes Le Point. In the kingdom, they are nicknamed "French Arabics". They are usually seen in Marrakech. "They rent apartments, even villas with several people," but also "motocross, large scooters like the T-Max, or even luxury cars like the Porsche Macan, despite their young age," details the publication.

Realizing the situation, police operations "have been launched in Fez, Casablanca, Tangier and Salé. And the most important one took place in Marrakech, the last week of August. Agents combed the city and controlled the drivers firmly. And even too firmly, according to some Moroccans," says the French weekly. These actions have borne fruit. In total, 2,956 people were arrested, nearly 1,000 people were fined on the road, including 500 for driving without a helmet, according to a Moroccan judicial source. Also, 415 vehicles were immobilized and towed to the pound. A Moroccan security operation "impressive" hailed by Le Point.

The French magazine also denied the rumors of the expulsion of Franco-Moroccans to France.