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Rabat – Leading activist of the Rif protests Nasser Zafzafi, and 30 other protesters, all of whom had been arrested for violence against security forces in Al Hoceima, will reportedly appear in court on Monday. The trial will take place at Casablanca’s Criminal Chamber of the Court of Appeal.
The decision to set the trial in Casablanca was taken by Rabat’s Court of Cassation. Zafzafi and his comrades will be referred to the Public Prosecutor after being placed in custody by the National Brigade of Police, better known as BNPJ.
The 39-year-old activist has been the protests’ most prominent figure since their beginning in October, following the death of the local fish seller Mouhcine Fikri. The fishmonger was crushed in a trash compactor on October 28 whilst protesting the confiscation of his merchandise by the authorities.
Over the past seven months, Zafzafi has delivered speeches at protest rallies and posted videos criticizing “the government’s reluctance to meet the social and economic demands of the population of Al Hoceima.”
Zafzafi was taken into custody on Monday after interrupting a Friday sermon he felt was “denouncing the “Hirak” movement.” He was transferred to Casablanca for investigation and has since been charged with “obstructing the right of worship” and “undermining state security.”
Tensions have grown over the past few days in Al Hoceima and its surrounding areas following the arrest of Zafzafi – protesters are calling for the release of both Zafzafi and the other activists.
