Rabat – Thousands of demonstrators have filled the streets of Al Hoceima silently, with candles in their hands to protest the perceived abuse of power, that caused death of Mouhcine Fikri, who died while trapped inside a garbage truck compactor on Friday October 28.
After the tragic death of Mouhcine Fikri Moroccans throughout the country have mobilized against what they view as abuses of power on of law enforcement. Peaceful protests have been held in Morocco’s largest cities and a massive social media campaign swept social media.
Al Hoceima has seen more demonstrations throughout the week. The march Friday evening was silent as thousands of demonstrators held candles while they walked the streets. A few banners and flags were waved, including the Amazigh flag.
In an interview with Morocco World News, Saber Teyebioui, a photographer and an Al-Hoceima native, said, “I have never seen such a large crowd of people pour into the streets peacefully for a candlelight vigil to remember Mouhcine Fikri.”
“We wish everyone involved in this incident to be taken to court and punished legitimately,” Teyebioui added.
Al Houceima demonstrators have been praised in Morocco and elsewhere for the civility they showed in their protests. In one of their marches, they collected rubbish from the streets as the company in charge has been suspended following Fikri’s tragic death.
Demonstrators also denounced the use of separatist flags and the Spanish flag in one protest saying that their main demand to end of the impunity of law enforcement officials and civil servants.
