‘Horrific abuse’: Morocco accused of mistreating detained gen Z protesters

Human right groups and families have accused Morocco of horrifically abusing young protesters under arbitrary detention.

In late September and early October, a massive wave of gen Z-led protests swept across Morocco on the grounds of underfunded healthcare and education.

As the result of demonstrations also known as “Gen Z 212”, the biggest since the 2011 Arab spring, the government arbitrarily detained thousands of youngsters as reported by the human rights groups.

According to The Guardian, the people were dreadfully subjected to physical and psychological abuse during custody, leaving them without water and food for hours.

The president of the Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH), Souad Brahma said, the female protestors were tortured with grotesque “acts of harassment, insults, and crude and sexist remarks.”

During the country-wide protests, three protestors were brutally shot and killed by security forces, leaving 14 others injured including children.

According to Amnesty International, more than 2,400 people are being charged in connection with the protests. Those people who participated in non-violent protest, have been prosecuted with acts of violence.

A Human Rights Watch spokesperson, Ahmed Benchemsi, commented, “The government clearly got scared and orchestrated this crackdown to send a strong message that they will not tolerate any form of dissent.”

As a result of demonstrations, the government undertook social reforms and announced increased funding for education and healthcare.

The alleged accusations come as the country is prepared to host the African Cup of Nations.