"Anti-government protests over the poor state of public services in Morocco turned violent on Wednesday, with two people killed when officers opened fire on a group of people attempting to "storm" a police station in Lqliaa, near the coastal city of Agadi, state media said. The group, armed with knives, barged into a security forces facility and set it on fire, forcing security forces to use firearms in self-defense, said local authorities. A judicial investigation into the incident had been opened, officials said."
"The protests began on Saturday with demands for better education and health care. A major complaint is that the North African nation is building stadiums in preparation for hosting the 2030 Fifa World Cup while neglecting public health and education crises. The demonstrations have been driven by Moroccan Youth Voice and GenZ 212, loosely formed anonymous youth networks, who put out the call. The groups used platforms including TikTok, Instagram and gaming application Discord to put out a call for protests."
"Morocco's Interior Ministry said that over 400 people had so far been arrested and nearly 300 injured during the rallies. Morocco's unemployment rate stands at 12.8%, with youth unemployment reaching 35.8% and 19% among graduates, according to the national statistics agency. The deaths of several women at a public hospital in Agadir, a large city on Morocco's central coast, has swelled public outrage."
Anti-government protests in Morocco over poor public services escalated into violence when officers opened fire on people attempting to storm a police station in Lqliaa, killing two. Authorities said the group was armed with knives, set a security facility on fire, and triggered a judicial investigation. Interior Ministry reported over 400 arrests and nearly 300 injuries. Youth networks Moroccan Youth Voice and GenZ 212 organized protests via TikTok, Instagram and Discord, demanding better education, health care and anti-corruption measures. Public anger has been intensified by high unemployment—12.8% overall and 35.8% for youth—and deaths of several women at an Agadir public hospital.
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