A Moroccan student arrested during the country’s recent youth-led protests has been sentenced to one year in prison — the first known jail term linked to the Gen Z demonstrations that have gripped the kingdom in recent weeks.
According to the student’s lawyer, Mohamed Nouini, the court convicted his client on charges of “participating in an unauthorised and unarmed gathering” and “insulting the judicial police by providing false information.”
Speaking to AFP on Friday, Nouini described the verdict as “unfair” and confirmed plans to appeal the ruling, noting that “sit-ins do not require prior authorisation,” citing a Supreme Court precedent.
The student was arrested on September 30, three days after protests erupted across Morocco demanding sweeping social and political reforms. The demonstrations, largely led by young Moroccans, were held almost daily from late September until last week.
Citing another lawyer, local news outlet Hespress reported that the student’s arrest was “an unfortunate coincidence,” as he had travelled to Casablanca for a family visit. In court, lawyer Mohamed Lakhdar argued that his client “did not insult” the police or give false information, maintaining that he had merely identified himself as a student.
Hundreds of protesters were detained during the initial days of the largely peaceful demonstrations, though some cities experienced sporadic violence and vandalism. Authorities have confirmed that three people were killed by police “acting in self-defence” during clashes in a village near Agadir.
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) estimates that around 550 people are currently facing prosecution in connection with the protests, with several still in detention.
The demonstrations were sparked by public outrage over the deaths of eight pregnant women during Caesarean sections at a hospital in Agadir. However, the protests quickly expanded to include broader demands — from overhauling the education system to calls for a change of government.
The GenZ 212 youth collective, which has coordinated the movement largely through social media, remains anonymous. The group has urged continued “peaceful sit-ins” and called for the release of all detained protesters.
