Morocco charges 2,400 people for protests over World Cup bid
More than 2,400 people have been charged in Morocco over their alleged involvement in the recent youth-led protests against the high cost of preparations to co-host the 2030 men’s football World Cup.
According to the state-run MAP news agency, which cited the public prosecution’s office, about 1,470 people are currently in detention awaiting trial, while around 960 others have been released pending court appearances.
The prosecution said the defendants were involved “in serious criminal acts,” including armed rebellion, grievous assault, and insulting public officials who were exercising their duties. Other offences listed included arson, participating in a gathering while bearing arms, vandalism, and looting.
The protests were organised largely through social media by GenZ212, a leaderless movement of young Moroccans frustrated by rising costs and economic inequality. The demonstrations quickly spread across major cities and became the deadliest unrest in the North African nation of 38 million people since 2011.
Civil rights groups such as the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) and New York-based Human Rights Watch have condemned the authorities’ “heavy-handed approach” toward demonstrators, criticising mass arrests and expedited trials as signs of repression.
In response, the public prosecution office defended the actions of security forces, insisting that “judicial proceedings were backed by sufficient evidence.”
Observers say the crackdown underscores growing tension between Morocco’s youthful population, who are increasingly vocal online, and the government’s efforts to maintain control amid preparations for the high-profile World Cup event.
