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A security source has responded to criticisms from the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) following the prison sentences handed down to protesters from the GenZ Morocco movement.
«We reject the biased and unfounded accusations made by Khadija Riyadi and her colleagues regarding the investigations into the violence, riots, and acts of arson that occurred during recent demonstrations in certain regions of the Kingdom», the source said.
The security official stressed that «all individuals arrested were granted the full legal safeguards afforded to anyone in conflict with the law». He added, «Those claiming that some detainees were forced to sign their interrogation reports are speaking outside the bounds of legality».
The same source noted that «some observers described the sentences as harsh merely because of their duration, without considering the seriousness of the offenses or the aggravating circumstances. This reflects a denial of the principle of individualized sentencing and a disregard for the rule of law».
He further recalled that those prosecuted include «perpetrators of serious and aggravated crimes punishable by life imprisonment. Some used knives or blunt weapons against law enforcement officers, while others attacked security posts, banks, and service facilities with the intent to commit armed robbery».
«The human and material losses suffered by the police were significant: 289 officers sustained injuries of varying severity, and 268 security vehicles were damaged, including six cars and motorcycles that were deliberately set on fire», the official said.
As a reminder, the AMDH released a preliminary report on Friday in Rabat on the GenZ protests that shook several Moroccan cities. The document states that 2,068 people were arrested and charged, of whom 1,088 remain in detention, 596 have been released, and 233 have already been convicted.
The association argued that «this wave of severe sentences is meant to intimidate protesters and discourage future demonstrations, in line with the authorities’ security-oriented approach».
