According to the deal, the US will recognize Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara territory in return for Morocco establishing diplomatic relations with Israel

The protesters were trying to take out a march opposing Morocco’s deal to normalize its ties with Israel. In exchange for the deal, the US has agreed to recognize Moroccan sovereignty over the occupied Western Sahara

In return of US recognition of its rights over Western Sahara, Morocco has agreed to “normalize” its relations with Israel. The United Nations and the majority of the world does not recognize Moroccan claims of sovereignty over the territory.   

Moroccan forces entered the UN-designated buffer zone in the Western Sahara on Friday to attack a peaceful demonstration of Sahrawi people demanding independence from Moroccan occupation and a referendum for self-determination 

A long-term critic of the government in Morocco, Mahdouni was arrested in 2017 for his alleged participation in the Hirak-Rif movement

A federation of for-profit private schools, many of which are collecting fees during the lockdown without providing online classes or teachers’ pay, had sought financial assistance through the COVID-19 fund

Several human rights groups and organizations had appealed to the king for the release of all political prisoners and detainees, a large number of whom were part of the popular Rif protests in Morocco.

In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, Azlaf Zahra of the Democratic Way in Morocco reflects on the importance of women’s struggles in the country and the world

The protests were organised to demand the protection of human rights in the country and an improvement in the economic conditions of the people. Protesters also called on the government to release all political prisoners and work towards greater social equality and initiate democratic reforms in the Moroccon political system

The protest was also against the attempts by the Moroccan government to normalize ties with the state of Israel

Mahfouda Bamba Lefkir, a prominent human rights activist from Sahrawi, has been arrested and sentenced to six months in prison by Moroccan authorities

38 people are still being held in prison for participating in the protests in the Rif region against economic neglect, unemployment and state oppression