By Naman Trivedi

Copyright timesnownews

More than 400 people have been arrested across Morocco following a wave of youth-led protests demanding urgent reforms in the country’s public health and education systems. The unrest, now into its fifth consecutive night, has become the most intense wave of demonstrations since the 2016–2017 Rif protests. According to the Ministry of Interior, the fourth night of protests saw a spike in violence, with demonstrators torching vehicles, looting shops, and clashing with police. At least 263 members of the security forces and 23 civilians were reported injured. A total of 409 individuals were taken into custody. The protests have been largely organized online by a loosely connected, anonymous youth group calling itself Gen Z 212, a reference to the international dialing code for Morocco. Utilizing social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Discord, the group has mobilized young Moroccans who are frustrated by deteriorating public services and economic inequality. GenZ 212 has emphasized that it does not support violence, stating on social media that it holds “no argument with security forces, only with the government.” Despite that, officials say the protests turned destructive in several cities, including Agadir, Tiznit, Inezgane, Ait Amira, and Oujda, where banks, administrative buildings, and shops were vandalized or looted. Videos show damaged ATMs and smashed windows at bank branches. A particular flashpoint for protesters is the billions of dollars being spent to prepare for major international sporting events, including the 2030 FIFA World Cup and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, while many schools and hospitals remain underfunded and in disrepair. Protesters have chanted, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?”, drawing attention to perceived government neglect and corruption. On Tuesday night, officials reported that some demonstrators wielded knives, threw stones and Molotov cocktails, and set fire to 142 police vehicles and 20 private cars. Despite this, the Interior Ministry stated it would continue to uphold the right to protest peacefully, pledging to respond with “restraint and self-control.”