Five people found dead after Sunday protests in Morocco

[News_Editor]

Five people found dead after Sunday protests in Morocco

2011-02-22 04:50:36 GMT+7 (ICT)

RABAT, MOROCCO (BNO NEWS) -- Morocco's Interior Ministry on Monday informed that five people were found dead following Sunday protests in the northern city of Al Hoceima, the state-run MAP news agency reported.

Interior Minister Taieb Cherqaoui said that the five individuals were charred to death inside a bank which was set on fire during the acts of vandalism that took place following the peaceful protests.

Moroccan authorities launched and investigation to determine the causes and circumstances of these acts as well as locating the individuals responsible for the violent murder of the five individuals.

On Sunday, around 37,000 people protested in the streets of several Moroccan cities. The demonstrators demanded King Mohammed VI to give up some of his power. The king is member of the Alawite dynasty that has ruled for 350 years.

After the end of the rallies, trouble makers committed acts of vandalism, including looting and arson, in the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, Larache, Al Hoceima, Sefrou, Marrakech and Guelmim. Cherqaoui noted that among the perpetrators were minors and ex-convicts.

Overall, 33 government buildings, 24 banks, 50 shops and private buildings, 66 vehicles and two motorcycles were burned down and damaged. Authorities deployed National Security Police, the Royal Gendarmerie, and the Auxiliary Forces to disrupt such acts.

The law enforcement agents managed to detain 120 individuals who are awaiting trial and a number of minors who were returned to their parents. After the violent acts, 128 individuals were injured, of whom 115 are security forces members.

Cherqaoui said that the protests took place in a peaceful way thanks to the "expanding liberties, the practice of a healthy and authentic democracy and the right to the freedom of expression enjoyed in Morocco."

The increasing gap between poor and rich citizens has caused tensions among the youth population. Protesters demanded more democracy, less corruption and social reforms.

However, Morocco has a strong financial system, an elected parliament and a reformist monarchy which could avoid uprisings like the ones in Libya and Egypt, although governmental powers are restricted in key areas where the monarch has the final word.

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