Protests Erupt in Morocco Over Ramadan Prayer Ban and Curfew, Clashes Reported

Morocco is facing social unrest. Many Moroccans are opposed to the decision to ban nighttime travel and Tarawih prayers during the month of Ramadan. The first street demonstrations against this decision were organized in Tangier starting April 14, the first day of Ramadan. Dozens of people, young people and teenagers, expressed their discontent in Fnideq and Béni Mekada. Law enforcement intervened to disperse Tangerians who had come to pray in the streets or in front of mosques, reports Maroc Hebdo. Dozens of people were arrested for violating the curfew.

Demonstrations also took place in Dechira, Aït Melloul and Inezgane, localities located in the south of the kingdom. Dozens of young people and minors not only violated the curfew, but also committed acts of vandalism. The law enforcement deployed in Inezgane came under a hail of stones. They nevertheless managed to bring the situation under control. Nearly 18 people, including 4 adults, were arrested and brought before the prosecutor of the king near the court of first instance of Inezgane.