There must be an immediate and independent investigation into the Moroccan security forces’ violent crackdown on youth protests, following credible reports that at least three protesters have been killed, dozens of others injured, and more than 400 people arrested across Morocco since late September 2025, Amnesty International said today.
The protests, described as Gen Z-led, began peacefully but the authorities responded with unlawful force and mass arbitrary arrests. For example, on the evening of 30 September, video footage reviewed by Amnesty International shows security forces deliberately driving their vehicles at protesters or violently arresting them. Eyewitnesses also described to Amnesty International how security forces forcefully arrested protesters. Over the following two nights, some violence was reported on the part of protesters, in some cases, police property was destroyed, while protests in other places remained peaceful.
“We are deeply alarmed by emerging evidence of Moroccan security forces’ use of excessive force and mass arrests of protesters and bystanders. The authorities should ensure a transparent investigation into the deaths that occurred and must respond to any incidents of violence by exercising restraint in line with international guidelines. Morocco’s authorities must ensure the right to peaceful protest is protected. No one should be punished for exercising their human rights, demanding their economic or social rights or an end to corruption,” said Heba Morayef, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.
“Under international law, the use of lethal force by law enforcement officials is prohibited unless it is strictly unavoidable to protect life. Authorities must adopt all available measures to avoid resorting to the use of force, and where force is unavoidable, it should be strictly necessary and proportionate, and they must ensure it is used with precaution to minimize harm.”
Amnesty International has reviewed tens of videos circulated on social media showing security forces, sometimes in civilian clothes, forcibly arresting peaceful protesters on 28 and 29 September and taking them to police vans.
We are deeply alarmed by emerging evidence of Moroccan security forces’ use of excessive force and mass arrests of protesters and bystanders.
Heba Morayef, Amnesty International
One protester described to Amnesty International how security forces in plain clothes surrounded individual protesters: “I saw a girl who was sitting on the floor, doing nothing, not even chanting or shouting slogans get carried forcibly by security forces, she was asking them ‘what did I do?’ and saying ‘it’s my right to be here’ but they did not answer her and shoved her violently into the van.”
Another protester from Casablanca said the police were “specifically targeting anyone who spoke to the media, I saw them rush towards a person who was giving an interview to two journalists, he was speaking into the microphones when the police came from behind him and forcibly carried him away.” Some protesters were arrested as they were giving statements to the media, as captured on videos posted online.
These practices raise serious concerns about arbitrary detention, lack of due process, and the chilling effect on the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly.
Video footage reviewed by Amnesty International shows security forces vehicles drive straight into a group of protesters on the night between 30 September and 1 October in Oujda, resulting in at least one serious injury.
Such actions constitute a dangerous and unlawful use of force, placing lives at risk and escalating violence.
Intentionally using vehicles to strike demonstrators who pose no imminent threat to life is a flagrant violation of international human rights standards, including the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms, which require authorities to minimize harm and protect life at all times.
Official figures indicate that 409 people have been arrested since 28 September, with at least 193 facing trial, many on bail. Lawyers Amnesty International have spoken to have said that the number still detained remains difficult to confirm because it is constantly changing.
The protesters facing trial, including minors, are currently facing charges under Article 591 of the Moroccan Penal Code, which criminalizes participation in gatherings deemed violent, despite the fact that these protesters were arrested on 28 and 29 September, before any acts of violence were reported.
“The Moroccan authorities must immediately drop charges against anyone detained solely for exercising their right of peaceful assembly. The Moroccan authorities, under international human rights obligations, must respect and safeguard the right to protest. Rather than resorting to suppression, the government should address the legitimate demands of youth for better education, equitable healthcare, decent employment opportunities, transparency, and anti-corruption measures,” said Heba Morayef.
Background
Protests erupted in late September 2025 across multiple Moroccan cities including Casablanca, Agadir, Marrakech, Tangier, Salé, Oujda, and Rabat. The mobilization was driven by widespread frustration over failing public services, high unemployment, corruption, and vast spending on the 2030 World Cup.
The youth-led movement, identifying itself as “Gen Z 212”, has been largely decentralized and organized through social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Discord.
For several days, protests remained peaceful. Violence was only reported starting on the nights of 30 September and 1 October, when clashes escalated, vehicles were set on fire, and security forces used tear gas, rubber bullets, and lethal ammunition. According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, at least 263 security force personnel and 23 civilians have been injured during the unrest.
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