Rabat – While the government has been unable successfully address the seven months of protests in Al Hoceima, Minister of Justice Mohamed Aujjar said on Tuesday at the House of Representatives that “the government is dealing with the issue with maturity, seriousness and responsibility in accordance with the legal requirements.”
“I don’t think as a Minister of Justice, I am authorized to deal with issues already being conducted before the judiciary, unless if we have ensured the safety of the proceedings,” Aujjar said.“The legal procedures have been respected regarding Al Hoceima detainees.”
Aujjar continued that the investigating judge has received no complaints of tortune from any detained protester, adding that “the government is keen on the presumption and acquaintance and the respect of all the requirements of a fair trial.”
On Sunday, thousands of Moroccans led by Amazigh social associations, the February 20 Movement, and officially-banned Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Ilhsanmarched to parliament as a show of support for the Hirak protest, calling for the release of detained activists and denouncing the series of ongoing arrests of activists.
Protests in Al Hoceima erupted after the October 2016 death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, who was fatally crushed in a trash compactor. Demonstrations have intensified in recent weeks due to the arrest of the movement’s public face, Nasser Zafzafi, and the detention of approximately 140 other activists.
Minister of Interior Abdelouafi Laftit led a ministerial delegation on a “surprise” visit to Al Hoceima on Monday for the second time in a month, in a stated attempt to “boost” development projects in the region.
