Mothers Rally for Justice in Morocco
In a poignant demonstration of solidarity and yearning for justice, approximately thirty mothers gathered in front of the Parliament in Rabat on Saturday, advocating for the release of their sons who have been imprisoned following the unrest triggered by the "Generation Z 212" protests last year. The event marked the first anniversary of these significant protests, which sought comprehensive reforms in public health and education sectors. The mothers voiced their concerns and hopes for freedom, highlighting the emotional toll that the detentions have taken on their families.
Among the participants, Ilham Nikrou expressed her anguish over her son Adam's imprisonment, stating, "He has been detained for a year... We want all these young people to be free." Similarly, Saadia Ben Ziani shared her heartache regarding her 15-year-old grandson, who was also arrested during the protests. She fervently prayed for their release, hoping for justice to prevail as it has for others. The protests, which were incited by an anonymous online movement, saw massive participation, with demonstrators demanding essential reforms but also led to violence and clashes resulting in three fatalities.
According to Hakim Sikouk, the coordinator of the "National Committee to Support Victims of the Generation Z Movement," approximately 750 individuals remain in custody, including minors and those who have not yet faced trial. The committee has documented various violations in the legal proceedings against these detainees and stressed the urgent need for their release. In the previous October, the public prosecutor's office reported that over 2,400 individuals were charged with violent acts, with around 1,400 currently held in detention. Moroccan courts have previously sentenced hundreds to lengthy prison terms, including numerous juveniles, stemming from the demonstrations associated with the "Generation Z 212" movement.
As reported by france24.com.
