Moroccan courts have sentenced 20 young people to prison following their participation in protests that took place across the country in late September. The demonstrations, which lasted for several weeks, focused on demands for improved living conditions and economic opportunities.
According to a statement released by the Moroccan Human Rights Forum, the sentences were handed down after a series of court sessions featuring extensive arguments from the defense team. Lawyers representing the accused pleaded for the acquittal of their clients, arguing that the charges against them were unsubstantiated.
In Casablanca, an appeals court has postponed the hearing of two young men until November 26, 2025. In a separate case, another young man was sentenced to six months in prison while already in detention.
The arrests and subsequent trials stem from recent protests expressing discontent over the deteriorating state of healthcare and education, as well as the lack of employment opportunities in many Moroccan cities. Courts across Morocco continue to issue custodial sentences to hundreds of young protesters.
The Moroccan Human Rights Forum reports that over 5,780 young people have been arrested in connection with the protests. Of these, 2,480 were brought before the public prosecutor, with 1,473 being held in detention and 959 released pending further investigation. The figures include minors.
Defense lawyers for the detained youth have reported unprecedented human rights violations, alleging that these violations began even before the protests started. They have also presented disturbing accounts of detention conditions, trial proceedings, and the overall situation of those facing prosecution.
