On July 29, on the occasion of Throne Day, King Mohammed VI pardoned several protesters jailed over the mass Hirak Rif protests in 2016 in the neglected Morocco Rif region, among the list, there are some prominent leaders who were sentenced for up to 10 years in prison such as Prof. Mohamed Majaoui, al mortada Iamrachen and journalist Rabii el ablaq.
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The Hirak protests, triggered by the tragic death of fish vendor Mohcine Fikri in 2016, highlighted the deprivation and neglect of Morocco’s marginalised regions, calling for basic economic and social rights. The repression of these social movements by the authorities was particularly violent.
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The release of a number of protesters is a welcome first step, however Moroccan authorities should release all activists detained for having peacefully claimed their legitimate rights, while addressing the political, social and economic roots of such protest movements.
