Committee for Justice expresses deep concern over the wave of arrests carried out by Moroccan security authorities against young men and women who gathered under the banner of “Generation Z212” to demand reforms to the education system and public health services.
The group, which introduced itself only a few days ago as a “space for dialogue” on issues affecting all citizens—including health, education, and the fight against corruption—has stressed its rejection of violence and commitment to the values of “love for the homeland and the king.” It places particular emphasis on representing youth and women, who are among the groups most affected by unemployment, social inequality, and the sharp disparities between public and private education and health services. In recent weeks, Morocco has witnessed a series of protests, many of which specifically called for improvements in public health care.
On September 27, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) documented a large-scale campaign of arrests targeting youth and human rights activists following a peaceful protest in front of parliament against the regressive draft law 59.24. More than 70 people were detained during demonstrations organized by “Generation Z212” in Rabat, while other protests were dispersed in Tangier, Meknes, and Casablanca.
The Committee stands in solidarity with all detainees and calls on the Moroccan authorities to immediately end arbitrary arrests and uphold their obligations to protect the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
