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Rabat – In a press briefing on Tuesday, Magistrate Hassan Farhan of the Presidency of the Public Prosecution, defended the judiciary’s management of cases linked to the recent GenZ212 protests that has swept through several Moroccan cities since September 27.
Farhan said that court rulings were delivered “within a reasonable timeframe” and “without any haste,” dismissing allegations that the trials were rushed or that confessions were extracted under coercion.
According to Farhan, the authorities respected all guarantees of a fair trial, with detailed police reports drawn up “in strict compliance with legal procedures.” He added that contrary to circulating claims, “no forced confessions” were used, and that delays in some ongoing cases were due to defense requests to prepare arguments.
Arrests and charges
The peaceful protests led by GenZ212 youth movement led to the arrest of thousands across major cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir, Tangier, and Oujda.
Ferhan said that more than 3,300 detainees were released after identity checks, while 2,480 individuals were referred to various public prosecutors for legal action. Among them, 959 were released pending trial, and 1,473 remained in custody.
Authorities reported that several minors were involved and later handed back to their guardians under juvenile protection laws. The judicial official noted that courts considered “social circumstances and the absence of criminal records.” Sentences ranged from one to 15 years, though the law allows for up to 30 years for certain charges.
The charges include armed assembly, assaulting public officials, property destruction, looting, road blockages, arson, and possession of weapons deemed threatening to public safety.
Farhan stressed that security forces operated “in full conformity with the law,” responding to “grave acts of violence and vandalism” that caused injuries among officers and significant damage to public and private property.
As of October 27, judicial data show that 66 defendants have been tried by appellate criminal chambers, with 61 convictions and five acquittals. At the level of the first-instance courts, 301 verdicts were issued, 208 prison sentences, 66 suspended sentences, and 27 acquittals. Additionally, 162 minors have been tried, with 83 released to their families.
Acquittal rates currently stand at 11.4% in first-instance courts and 9.7% in appeals courts, according to official statistics. Prosecutors also decided to drop charges against 48 individuals after a review of available evidence.
The GenZ212 movement
The GenZ212 movement, which first gained traction online before spilling into the streets, has become emblematic of Morocco’s new wave of youth activism. The decentralized collective channels widespread frustration over healthcare failures, unemployment, corruption, and inequality. Its slogans, “justice, dignity, and transparency,” have resonated deeply with a generation that feels excluded from political decision-making and burdened by economic stagnation.
The protests, which erupted simultaneously in several cities across Morocco, were mostly peaceful but at times marred by clashes with police. Dozens of videos shared on social media showed security forces dispersing gatherings and conducting mass arrests, prompting accusations of arbitrary detentions from activists and observers.
For many in Morocco, the crackdown has reignited debate about freedom of assembly and the limits of dissent, as the GenZ212 movement continues to call for institutional reform and social justice through online mobilization and coordinated street actions.
While the authorities insist on upholding public order and the rule of law, human rights advocates have urged greater transparency in handling detainees’ cases and cautioned against equating peaceful protest with criminal activity.
Despite the recent judicial clarifications, the GenZ212 movement remains active, with renewed demonstrations taking place over the past weekend across several cities. Protesters continue to voice frustration over what they describe as superficial government responses, insisting that statements and reassurances are not enough without concrete reforms addressing healthcare, education, and living standards.
