Young people in Morocco protested for better healthcare and education. However, now there are many reports of unfair arrests. Hundreds of young people, even some under 18, have faced legal problems. Human rights groups are worried about how the government is acting. They think peaceful protesters are being treated badly.
The protests started in September and October. Many young people wanted better public services. But it seems the government responded with force. Some protesters said they were mistreated in police custody. One mother said her son was hurt badly and lost teeth.
The situation became very serious on October 1st. In Lqliâa, a protest became violent. Police reportedly shot at demonstrators. Sadly, three people died and fourteen were injured by bullets. These events have made human rights groups more concerned.
The Moroccan Association of Human Rights (AMDH) and Amnesty International are collecting information. Souad Brahma from AMDH spoke about harassment. She mentioned insults and sexist remarks towards female protesters. Over 2,400 people are being prosecuted because of the protests. Some have received long prison sentences, up to 15 years.
There are also problems with the legal process. Some people did not have lawyers. Investigations into abuse claims may not be enough. One 18-year-old has been in jail for over two months. This shows how serious the situation is.
The Moroccan government has not fully answered all the accusations. They said their actions are to keep public order. But many reports and rights advocates suggest the government's response was too strong. These accusations could affect Morocco's reputation as it prepares to host a sports event. The future for the arrested young people is unclear. People hope for a full investigation to find the truth.