Moroccan streets see fourth day of protests amid rising tensions

Protests led by young demonstrators continued for a fourth consecutive day across several Moroccan cities, with gatherings turning into clashes between protesters and security forces on Tuesday, according to local media and rights groups.

The demonstrations, organised largely through social media platforms by a collective known as “GenZ-212,” have been driven by calls for reforms and action against corruption. Reports from cities including Tiznit, Inzegane, Ait Amira, Oujda, and Rabat described confrontations in which protesters threw stones and damaged vehicles, while police moved in to disperse crowds.

Local media published images of torched security vehicles, and video clips circulated online appeared to show a police vehicle driving into demonstrators in Oujda. Authorities denied reports of fatalities, though some injuries were reported. The authenticity of these videos could not be independently verified.

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) said dozens of young people were arrested, including 37 in Rabat and 24 in Casablanca, with cases referred to prosecutors. Other outlets have cited higher arrest figures in recent days.

In a statement, the Moroccan government said it understands the social demands raised by the protests and is willing to respond in a constructive and responsible way. Officials commended what they described as a proportionate response by security forces.

The protests highlight longstanding concerns over unemployment, public services, and governance. They also reflect wider debate about state spending priorities, with some participants contrasting investments in major infrastructure and sporting events against needs in healthcare and education.