Protests Erupt in Fez, Morocco as Residents Demand Action on Rising Crime

Gathered near the headquarters of the Fez police prefecture, the protesters denounced the deterioration of the security situation in the city. They also called for increased police presence and strict measures to fight crime. These demonstrations follow the murder of a 40-year-old bread seller and father of four. This man was the victim of a criminal operation in the Ain Smen neighborhood of Fez, after trying to save a young girl from the hands of thugs who wanted to assault her. Armed with a metal object, they dealt him a fatal blow to the head. The 40-year-old died on the spot. The protesters chanted slogans denouncing the insecurity and calling for the strict application of the law and the arrest of the perpetrators.

Another murder took place in the city. On Saturday, elements of the police in the Ben Souda area of Fez arrested a 19-year-old person. He would be involved in a case of assault and battery with a blunt weapon resulting in the death of a man working in the wholesale food trade. The suspect got into a conflict with the 40-year-old victim over differences regarding the retail sale of goods. Armed with a metal bar, he struck the seller. The latter succumbed to his injuries shortly after being admitted to the local hospital’s emergency department.

During the arrest of the suspect, the police seized the weapon used during the assault. Pending the results of the investigation conducted by the competent judicial police brigade, under the supervision of the competent public prosecutor’s office, he was placed in custody.