Morocco Faces Condemnation Over Alleged Abuse of Detained Gen Z Protesters

Morocco Faces Condemnation Over Alleged Abuse of Detained Gen Z Protesters
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Human rights groups have condemned Morocco’s “horrific” abuse of detained Gen Z protesters, as the country prepares to host the Africa Cup of Nations, The Guardian reported. The crackdown followed widespread youth-led demonstrations in September and October, the largest since the 2011 Arab Spring, protesting underfunded healthcare and education.

Rights organisations report that thousands were arbitrarily arrested. Detainees allege severe beatings, being deprived of food and water, and forced confessions. Disturbing testimonies include accounts of protesters being beaten with electrical wires and suffering sexual harassment.

Tragically, three protesters were shot and killed on October 1st in the town of Lqliâa. Over 2,400 individuals are now being prosecuted, with some receiving prison sentences of up to 15 years. Despite government promises of social reform, many young Moroccans remain fearful of further reprisals, casting a shadow over the nation’s international sporting event.