Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The United States Embassy in Rabat has condemned the use of US Navy uniforms by a group of Moroccans who filmed themselves threatening Rif activist Nasser Zefzafi.
“The men in msg to Zifzafi video wearing what looks like US military uniforms are NOT US military. We condemn messages supporting violence,” the embassy tweeted Monday.
The men in msg to Zifzafi video wearing what looks like US military uniforms are NOT US military. We condemn messages supporting violence.
— U.S. Embassy Morocco (@USEmbMorocco) 5 juin 2017
The one-minute video which circulated on social media showed a group of muscular men wearing the US Army uniform threatening Zefzafi. The men were later revealed to be extras in an American movie currently being filmed in Tangier.
The group claimed that Al Hociema activist was “trying to create strife and conflict” between the Rifi people and other Moroccans.
Social media users suggested the group were members of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces (FAR).
FAR denied the rumors, stating the men in the video are not members and have no relation with the Moroccan army.
“The messages attributed to the FAR currently circulating on social networks by unknown persons wearing military uniforms and castigating people in connection with what is happening in the Rif have no relation with the military institution.”
FAR said that communicating through social networks on behalf of the Royal Army is illegal.
Social media users criticized the men for “dangerous hate speech” at a time where intellectuals, political parties, human rights groups and civil society organizations have called on the government to speed up development programs in Al Hoceima and release detained activists to put an end to the ongoing protests in Rif.
