Women Journalists Without Chains expresses its deep concern over the violent measures taken by Moroccan authorities against peaceful protests held on September 27, 2025.

The demonstrations, organized by the "GenZ 212" youth movement, took place in several major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Meknes. Participants raised legitimate demands for reforms in education, better healthcare, and broader opportunities for employment. Their calls reflected the aspirations of many citizens for dignity, equality, and fair access to essential services.

Instead of allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights, the authorities chose to confront the demonstrators with force. Security forces carried out widespread arrests, with more than seventy individuals detained in Rabat alone. Among those arrested was the young activist Farouk El Mahdaoui. The demonstration planned in front of Parliament was also banned outright, demonstrating an alarming restriction of public freedoms and the right to peaceful assembly.

These actions constitute a clear violation of fundamental rights enshrined in Morocco’s 2011 Constitution, particularly Article 29, which guarantees freedom of assembly. They also breach international obligations that Morocco has undertaken, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, both of which protect freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

Women Journalists Without Chains affirms that the violent repression of peaceful demonstrations only fuels public anger and widens the gap between citizens and state institutions. Such measures pose a serious threat to Morocco’s social stability and its image as a country aspiring to uphold the principles of democracy and rule of law.

We call on the Moroccan authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all detained protesters. We urge them to abandon the reliance on security crackdowns in addressing social and economic grievances, and instead to engage in dialogue that respects the rights of citizens. We further demand an independent and impartial investigation into the violence and arrests, with accountability for those responsible.

Women Journalists Without Chains also draws attention to the silence of the international community in the face of these violations. This silence serves to embolden further repression. The international community has a duty to stand firmly with those whose rights are being denied and to press for respect of freedoms that are guaranteed under both national and international law.

Women Journalists Without Chains reiterates that the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms is not optional. It is the foundation for a just and stable society and a principle that must be upheld in Morocco and everywhere.

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Women Journalists Without Chains

September 28, 2025