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29 March 2024

4,000 demonstrate in Morocco for rights, justice

Published
By AFP

About 4,000 people demonstrated in Morocco's biggest city Casablanca Sunday to demand more democracy and reform, an AFP reporter said, in the latest in a wave of protests.


Police said about 2,500 people took part in the demonstrations while organisers put the figure at 10,000.

Demonstrators chanted "No to corruption", "End social injustice", and "The people want an end to authoritarianism".


Most were from the February 20 pro-reform movement, named after the date of the first nationwide protest in a series of demonstrations this year, while the main Islamist movement Justice and Charity was also represented.


Some demonstrators demanded the repeal from the constitution of Article 19 which makes King Mohammed VI the highest religious authority in Morocco.


After the February 20 protests, the king pledged major reforms including strengthening the independence of the judiciary and separation of the government and royal house.


A commission appointed to review the constitution is due to deliver its proposals by June.
The demonstrations started in Morocco amid a wave of protests sweeping the Arab world.