Hundreds of Gen Z protesters have been arbitrarily detained in Morocco amid allegations of beatings and mistreatment, drawing condemnation from human rights groups as the country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday.
The arrests followed a wave of youth-led protests in late September and early October over underfunded healthcare and education. The demonstrations, dubbed “Gen Z 212” after Morocco’s international dialling code, were the largest the country has seen since the 2011 Arab spring.
Human rights organisations say the authorities responded with a sweeping crackdown, arresting thousands of people. Detainees were allegedly beaten and left for hours without food or water while in police custody.
One mother said her 18-year-old son was arrested while eating at a snack bar and had not taken part in the protests. She said he was beaten during his arrest, losing several teeth, and was assaulted again in custody after refusing to sign police statements.
Female protesters were subjected to harassment, insults and sexist remarks, according to Souad Brahma, president of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH). Some reported inappropriate touching while in detention.
At least three protesters were shot dead during a demonstration on 1 October in the town of Lqliâa, near the tourist city of Agadir. Fourteen others were injured, including children as young as 12 who sustained gunshot wounds. Authorities said police responded after protesters stormed a local police station.
Amnesty International estimates that more than 2,400 people are being prosecuted in connection with the protests. Dozens involved in non-violent demonstrations have been charged with acts of violence.
According to AMDH, several protesters have already received prison sentences, some of up to 15 years. The group criticised the absence of lawyers during hearings, inadequate investigations and the lack of presumption of innocence. Hundreds, including children, remain in detention.
Ahmed Benchemsi of Human Rights Watch said the government had orchestrated the crackdown to deter dissent. “The government clearly got scared and wanted to send a strong message,” he said.
Following the unrest, the government announced increased spending on healthcare and education and said it was committed to social reform.
As Morocco prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations, fresh protests have been reported in several cities, with demonstrators demanding the release of detained Gen Z activists.
There has also been public anger after flash floods killed 37 people this week in the coastal province of Safi. Protesters accused the government of prioritising international prestige projects over essential infrastructure and public services.
Human rights groups say fear remains widespread among young people following reports of beatings and forced confessions.
“We have heard horrific testimonies of torture in police custody,” said Mustapha Elfaz of AMDH’s Marrakech branch. He cited cases in which detainees were forced to strip and beaten with electrical wires, leaving visible injuries weeks later.
Elfaz said many families were reluctant to speak publicly for fear of reprisals. “What happens inside prisons now remains largely hidden,” he said.
A Casablanca-based lawyer involved in defending protesters said there were widespread procedural violations, including unlawful arrests, rushed investigations and harsh sentences based on weak evidence.
Moroccan authorities have denied the allegations, saying all legal procedures were respected and trials conducted fairly.
Last week, relatives of two people killed in Lqliâa said they were detained after holding pictures of their loved ones outside parliament in Rabat. They said police confiscated their phones and deleted images of the gathering before ordering them to leave the city.
“We just want justice, a transparent investigation and accountability,” said a relative of one of the victims, Abdessamade Oubalat, a 24-year-old film-maker.
Authorities said the families were taken to a police station after refusing to disperse, but denied that they were arrested or placed in custody.
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