Morocco thwarts youth-led protesters over health, education

RABAT - A heavy security presence on Monday evening thwarted for a straight third day youth-led protests across several Moroccan cities, where demonstrators have sought to rally for improvements to the public health and education systems.

The protests were organized online by a loosely formed anonymous youth group calling itself "GenZ 212," using platforms including TikTok, Instagram and gaming application Discord.

The government and judicial authorities have not yet communicated on the incidents and arrests.

On Monday evening, dozens were arrested as authorities prevented the group from holding protests in cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Agadir, Tangier and Oujda.

In Rabat and Casablanca, police arrested young protesters as they tried to chant slogans or speak to the press.

The president of a child protection association, Najat Anouar, was arrested as she was speaking to media and released two hours later.

Young protesters are demanding a better health and educational system and accountability for corruption.

On Sunday night in Casablanca, protesters briefly blocked a major highway, while in Agadir, videos circulating on social media showed police dispersing students near the university campus.

The recent wave of youth anger was sparked by earlier protests in Agadir over poor hospital conditions, which quickly spread to other cities.

Demonstrators have denounced inadequate care, understaffed facilities, and a lack of medical resources.

The government has yet to communicate on the protests as people took to social media to call for the sacking of health minister Amine Tahraoui and holding those responsible for the Agadir hospital’s degrading conditions accountable.