Algerian Radio
The youth movement that has been leading protest actions in Morocco since last September has announced that it will take to the streets again this coming Saturday and Sunday. The group is organizing nationwide actions to protest against the policies of "negligence and marginalization" affecting several Moroccan cities.
In a statement, the movement cited the collapse of two buildings in Fes and the unprecedented flooding in Safi, which caused considerable human and material losses.
The movement believes that what Moroccans are experiencing today is "the direct result of policies of negligence, and of stifling the truth and free voices." They assert that the muzzling of voices and the use of terror have not prevented tragedies from occurring, but have instead caused them to repeat.
The group stated that it considers collective, peaceful, and responsible action to be "the only way" to obtain justice for the victims. It attributed full political and moral responsibility for all recent tragedies to the Moroccan government, describing these events as a direct result of the "contempt shown toward human lives."
The movement is calling on young people, all citizens, and the country's active forces to join in all forms of protest on December 20 and 21, asserting that "silence is no longer possible and fear is no longer justified, because rights are seized, not given."
For its part, the Moroccan Association of Human Rights vigorously denounced the treatment of the youth movement's detainees. The Association noted that these detainees were subjected to trials marked by "serious violations." Consequently, it has called for an urgent investigation based on testimonies reporting torture and ill-treatment, adding that even the lawyers defending these young people have been subjected to harassment and threats.
