The Agadir court sentenced 17 individuals to prison terms ranging from three to fifteen years for their involvement in violent acts during the recent protests organized by the “Generation Z 212” movement.
The defendants were tried following incidents of violence that occurred in Ait Amira, near Agadir, on the night of October 1, following calls for demonstrations by the “Generation Z 212” movement, which demands improvements in healthcare and education services.
The criminal chamber in Agadir sentenced the defendants to prison terms that varied between fifteen years for three individuals, twelve years for one, and ten years for nine others, while additional defendants received sentences of three and four years.
The charges against them included “arson,” “destruction of buildings in communities or gangs using force,” “violence against public officials,” and “obstruction of roads.”
The youth movement “Generation Z 212,” which does not disclose the identities of its leaders, held daily protests for about two weeks, initially banned by authorities before being allowed. Dozens, and at times hundreds, of young people participated in these protests across various cities, and no clashes were reported during them.
However, several cities, particularly in the outskirts of Agadir, witnessed unprecedented violence on October 1 and 2. This violence resulted in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to around 300, mostly police officers, according to authorities.
Last week, another individual was sentenced to ten years in prison in Agadir on charges of “destruction of buildings,” “arson,” and “violence” against security forces.
Human Rights Watch reported on Wednesday that “at least 270 protesters, including 39 minors, have been brought to justice and remain detained,” without clarifying whether these individuals were arrested during peaceful gatherings or following violent incidents.
The organization condemned “the violent repression of protests,” while the “Generation Z 212” movement reiterated its rejection of violence, emphasizing the importance of peaceful demonstrations.
Moroccan authorities announced the detention of 409 individuals following the violent events, but later did not disclose the exact number of those arrested. A judicial source told AFP that “the majority of those prosecuted are accused of committing acts of vandalism, violence, and theft.”
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