The Moroccan protests are a series of demonstrations across Morocco which occurred from 20 February 2011 to the fall of 2012. They were part of the larger Arab Spring protests. The protests were organized by the 20 February Movement.
Origin
The protests in Morocco were inspired by the Arab Spring protests and revolutions in other North African and Middle Eastern countries. They were centred around demands for political reform, which included reform against police brutality, electoral fraud, political censorship and high unemployment.
Timeline
2011
On 20 February, thousands of Moroccans rallied in the capital, Rabat, to demand that King Mohammed give up some of his powers, chanting slogans such as "Down with autocracy" and "The people want to change the constitution." They were heading towards the parliament building, and police did not halt them, although Moroccan Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said that people should not join the march. A separate protest was underway in Casablanca and one was planned for Marrakesh. Looting and major disorder were widespread in Tangier, Marrakesh, Al Hoceima, Chefchaouen, Larache, Ksar-el-Kebir, Fez, Guelmim, Tétouan, and Sefrou.
Thousands took to the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech in peaceful protests demanding a new constitution, a change in government and an end to corruption. During a march on Hassan II Avenue in the capital, Rabat, demonstrators demanded a new constitution to bring more democracy to the country. They shouted slogans calling for economic opportunity, education reform, better health services, and help in coping with the rising cost of living.
The Associated Press estimated the turnout in Rabat at 4,000, while organisers put the crowd outside Parliament at 20,000. The Interior Ministry estimated that the total number of protesters was about 37,000 people.
On 26 February, about 1,000 people demonstrated in Casablanca demanding political reforms, according to AFP.
On 13 March, several hundred demonstrators gathered in Casablanca demanding reforms. Riot police broke up the rally with batons, injuring dozens in what was described as the most violent intervention since the start of the protests.
On 20 March, an estimated 35,000 citizens of diverse backgrounds and interests participated in peaceful protests in more than 60 cities across the country, some demanding more political changes than those announced by King Mohammed in his 9 March address, with others wanting to keep up the pressure so that the reforms come about. The police did not intervene and no violent acts were reported.
On 24 April, thousands of people protested across Morocco, demanding an end to corruption, an independent judiciary, constitutional reforms, legislative elections as well as more jobs for university graduates.
On 8 May, thousands of Moroccans marched in Marrakesh to demand reforms and express their opposition towards terrorist attacks, like the one on 28 April.
On 22 May, Moroccan police spent hours chasing hundreds of pro-democracy activists through the streets of the capital in an effort to prevent any pro-reform demonstrations. The government appeared to be implementing a new zero-tolerance policy for protesters.
On 5 June, nearly 60,000 protesters convened in Rabat and Casablanca to demonstrate, many carrying a picture of Kamal Amari, who died from police brutality. The death highlighted escalating police brutality directed at demonstrators.
On 28 July, a few dozen 20 February Movement protesters gathered in front of a courthouse in Safi to demand authorities to free two unfairly arrested Sebt Gzoula demonstrators. Those two were arrested under false claims of attacking government forces.
Protests have continued nearly every Sunday, with thousands marching in cities around Morocco calling for governmental reform.
On 18 September, 3,000 protesters marched through the streets of Casablanca in the largest such demonstration in months.
2012
On 27 May, tens of thousands of Moroccans took to the streets of Casablanca protesting against the government's alleged failure to tackle unemployment and other social woes, accusing Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of failing to deliver promised reforms.