The Moroccan Association for Human Rights reported that the total number of judicial rulings against detainees related to the Generation Z protests has reached over 240 cases as of October 22.
The association noted that these figures are preliminary due to the large volume of arrests and detentions of numerous protesters, the ongoing trials, and the judgments issued, as well as the varying judicial proceedings between criminal and misdemeanor cases, including those involving minors and adults, with some defendants on temporary release and others detained.
According to the association’s initial report, prison sentences have been issued, with some reaching up to 15 years. Four individuals received sentences of 15 years each, one detainee was sentenced to 12 years, and 31 others received 10-year sentences. Additionally, three detainees were sentenced to six years, while two others received five-year sentences.
These judgments have been issued by the Criminal Chamber at the Court of Appeal in Agadir, involving detainees from Al Qalia, Khmiss Ait Ammira, Tiznit, and Taroudant. A five-year prison sentence was handed to graduate student Mohamed Bziqh for his posts on social media, while another detainee received a four-year sentence, and two others were sentenced to three years each.
Moreover, hundreds of enforceable rulings were issued, with durations ranging between one year and three months. The rulings also included minors sentenced to prison, as witnessed in Al Hoceima and other cities, with currently over 330 minors being judicially pursued.
On another note, the Moroccan Association for Human Rights stated that more than 2,100 young individuals, including minors, were detained, with many cases dismissed and others released. Legal proceedings have begun against over 1,400 individuals, with approximately 1,000 under detention facing misdemeanor charges in lower courts, and others on criminal charges referred to appeal courts, particularly in Agadir, Salé, and Marrakech. More than 500 individuals are on temporary release.
The association highlighted that judges handling juvenile cases changed measures for some minors by returning them to their families, and some minors were acquitted of the charges against them. However, it expressed concern and discontent over the continued judicial pursuit of other minors on criminal charges.
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