Human rights advocates warn against criminalising protest in Morocco

A senior official at Morocco’s Public Prosecution Office has drawn criticism after announcing that prosecutors across the kingdom will pursue the “toughest penalties” against individuals involved in recent unrest, including cases of vandalism, arson, and violent incidents.

The official stated that such offences could carry prison sentences of up to 20 years, and in certain aggravated circumstances, life imprisonment.

Human rights advocates have voiced concern, arguing that the move underscores a heavy-handed, security-first response to social discontent rather than tackling its political and economic roots.

They caution that threatening demonstrators with disproportionately harsh sentences risks undermining fundamental rights, particularly the freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

The statement comes amid sporadic protests in several Moroccan cities, some of which have been accompanied by isolated episodes of rioting and property damage.

Observers stress the importance of distinguishing between criminal acts and lawful dissent, warning that broad-brush criminalisation of demonstrations could further heighten tensions.