Morocco's Response to Gen Z Protests
In a significant development reflecting the ongoing tensions stemming from last year's youth-led protests, Moroccan authorities have sentenced 18 individuals to prison for their involvement in obstructing traffic during demonstrations advocating for essential reforms in public health care and education. The protests, which erupted in late September 2025, took the Moroccan government by surprise, highlighting a growing discontent among the younger generation, often referred to as Gen Z. A court in Casablanca has handed down these sentences, with 13 of the convicted receiving eight-month terms. According to defense lawyer Souad Brahma, these individuals were expected to be released after completing their sentences.
In addition to the eight-month sentences, two other defendants were given one-year sentences, with 10 months of that time to be served in prison. Furthermore, three individuals who were previously released pending trial have been handed suspended sentences of 12 months. The legal proceedings continue, as six minors associated with the protests are set to appear in court on June 19. Among these minors, four are currently in pretrial detention, while two others have been released pending trial, as highlighted by another lawyer, El Hassan Essonni.
The scale of the crackdown on the protests is alarming, with statistics revealing that over 2,400 individuals have faced prosecution in relation to the demonstrations. By October of the previous year, more than 1,400 people were already detained, as reported by the public prosecutor's office. The initial days of the protests were marred by violence, particularly in the city of Agadir, where clashes resulted in the tragic loss of three lives. Despite the turmoil, organizers remained committed to a nonviolent approach, underscoring the complexities of the situation in Morocco.
As reported by newarab.com.
