Morocco: Protest July 8 in Casablanca against conviction of Hirak Al-Shaabi leaders /update 1

Event

A protest march is slated to take place in Casablanca beginning on Sunday, July 8, with participants expected to assemble at Place de la Victoire (Victory Square) at 10:00 (local time). The demonstration has been organized to denounce a June 26 verdict, which convicted four leaders of the Hirak Al-Shaabi movement, including its leader Nasser Zefzafi, to up to 20 years in prison for "conspiracy to undermine the security of the state." 

Sit-in protests against the decision were organized last week in Rabat and Casablanca, and further related protests are likely in the near-term, notably in the Rif region (northern Morocco). A heightened security presence and transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in the vicinity of any public gatherings. 

Context

Hirak Al-Shaabi leader Nasser Zefzafi was detained after spearheading a protest movement that provoked widespread demonstrations across northern Morocco's Rif region in 2016 and 2017.

The Hirak Al-Shaabi movement (Popular Movement) started in Al-Hoceima (Rif region) in October 2016. The movement is broadly focused on curbing perceived government corruption, widespread social injustice, poverty, and underdevelopment.

Advice

Individuals in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering as a precaution.