Protests Across Morocco Mark Palestinian Prisoners' Day
On April 17 each year, Morocco commemorates Palestinian Prisoners' Day, a date established by the Palestinian National Council in 1974 to honor the struggles of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. This year, hundreds of Moroccans participated in demonstrations across multiple cities, including Rabat, Tangier, Ksar al-Kabir, Fez, Marrakech, Casablanca, and Oujda, to raise awareness and show solidarity with Palestinian prisoners. The protests were organized by various non-governmental organizations such as the National Action Group for Palestine, the Moroccan Authority for Supporting National Issues, and the Moroccan Front for Supporting Palestine and Opposing Normalization.
Participants in the protests chanted slogans condemning the recent Israeli law permitting the execution of Palestinian prisoners. They expressed their outrage with phrases like, "O Israeli coward, a prisoner should not be humiliated," and "The people want to free the prisoner." Additionally, they raised banners urging action against the death penalty for Palestinian prisoners, with messages like "No to the execution of Palestinian prisoners" prominently displayed.
During a speech in Rabat, Aziz Hanawi, a member of the National Action Group for Palestine, emphasized the significance of this day, stating, "We commemorate this day in loyalty to the Palestinian prisoner." He asserted that the Palestinian prisoners' issue must remain at the forefront of public consciousness throughout the year, describing the execution of prisoners as an unprecedented crime in human history. Hanawi called for urgent action to support Palestinian prisoners and pressure the Israeli occupation to abolish the controversial law.
On March 30, the Israeli Knesset passed a law with a majority of 62 votes in favor and 48 against, allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners convicted of killing Israelis intentionally. This law is applicable to 117 prisoners currently detained. Reports indicate that over 9,600 Palestinian prisoners are held in Israeli jails, including children and women, many of whom suffer from torture, starvation, and medical neglect, resulting in the deaths of dozens.
As reported by aa.com.tr.
