Agadir, Morocco – A new report has surfaced alleging the use of live ammunition and excessive force by Moroccan security forces against protestors affiliated with the ‘Generation Z 212’ movement. The report’s release coincides with renewed calls for a transparent investigation into the deaths of three young men last October.
The families of the deceased, identified as Abdelhakim Derfidi, Abdelsamad Oubella, and Mohamed Rhali, are demanding justice and a full accounting of the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Khadija Ben El Kadhi, mother of Abdelhakim Derfidi, stated her desire for ‘justice to be served.’ Abd El Kebir Oubella and Khalifa Rhali, fathers of Abdelsamad and Mohamed respectively, echoed this sentiment, calling for a ‘transparent investigation’ into the incident.
The allegations stem from a report issued by the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH). The AMDH claims that security personnel used live ammunition indiscriminately and resorted to excessive force, characterizing the response as disproportionate to the threat posed by the protestors. The report further asserts that the victims were located over 100 meters from the gendarmerie station at the time of the incident and urges an independent investigation.
The incident occurred in early October in Kaliaa, near Agadir, during a protest organized by ‘Generation Z 212,’ a group advocating for reforms in the health and education sectors. According to authorities, the young men were killed while attempting to storm a police station with the aim of seizing weapons and ammunition. However, the families maintain that their sons were participating in a peaceful protest and were not involved in any violent acts.
Footage from security cameras purportedly shows masked individuals armed with metal bars and stones attempting to damage the station’s gate. Security forces reportedly deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd. According to the public prosecutor’s office, after issuing multiple warning shots, the gendarmerie ‘were forced’ to use their firearms in self-defense to repel the attack and prevent the seizure of weapons and ammunition. The incident has sparked widespread debate and calls for accountability.
DZWatch will continue to follow this developing story.
