Since 1914, deposits of gas and oil in Morocco have attracted the attention of foreign companies, the French protectorate and even Moroccan authorities. While oil and gas exploration is on an ‘on and off’ basis over the years, no announcement by companies has confirmed the Kingdom's ambition to become an exporting country.
Days after the release of his niece, Moroccan scholar Ahmed Raissouni criticized in an article the women who showed support for Hajar Raissouni and called for expanding personal freedoms. His words stirred anger among human rights activists.