Rabat, Morocco (TMT)- The National Human Rights Council in Morocco reported yesterday a total of 11,874 protest gatherings during the past year, most of which were peaceful.
Compared to the previous year’s report, which recorded 13,471 gatherings, the number of protests decreased by around 1,600.
The Council also renewed its call to subject the use of force to disperse protests to the supervision of the Public Prosecutor and to establish a new code to protect the freedom of associations. The Moroccan Authorities use, in various instances, force to disperse protests, resulting in the arrest and prosecution of some protesters on charges of insulting public security officers, assault, disobedience, and violating health emergency measures. Some received suspended prison sentences. According to the report, monitoring such protests will provide material evidence for the protesters.
The report also highlighted the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on access to healthcare, education, and employment, as well as the impact of external factors such as the war in Ukraine on citizens’ livelihoods.
The report shed light on the challenges of climate change and the use of technology and freedom of expression.
The President of the National Human Rights Council emphasized the need for a law on freedom of information to address issues related to freedom of expression in digital spaces.
The report also underscored the continued imprisonment of individuals for expressing their opinions on social media.
The Moroccan Times.
