2011 Moroccan protests

2011-2012 Moroccan protests
Part of the Arab Spring
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Casablanca
Date	20 February 2011 (2011-02-20) – March/April 2012 (March/April 2012)
Location	Morocco
Caused by	Police brutality Electoral fraud Political censorship Widespread corruption High unemployment Utility costs No minimum wage
Goals	Constitutional reforms Language recognition
Methods	Demonstrations Civil disobedience Boycott Self-immolation Online activism Riots
Concessions given	A Constitutional Commission was appointed by King Mohammed VI to draft a new constitution. The Prime minister was given de facto power to appoint his cabinet. The king was to remain head of the judiciary and the security forces. A referendum was organised for 1 July 2011 to allow Moroccans to vote for or against the new constitution. The constitution passed by 98.5%. Parliamentary elections were held on 25 November.
Casualties
Death(s)	6
Injuries	128

The Moroccan protests are a series of demonstrations across Morocco which occurred from 20 February 2011 to the spring of 2012. They were inspired by other protests in the region. The protests were organized by the 20 February Movement.

The protests in Morocco were inspired by the Arab Spring protests and revolutions in other North African countries. They were centred around demands for political reform, which included reform against police brutality, electoral fraud, political censorship and high unemployment.

On 20 February, thousands of Moroccans rallied in the capital, Rabat, to demand that King Mohammed give up some of his powers, chanting slogans such as "Down with autocracy" and "The people want to change the constitution." They were heading towards the parliament building, and police did not halt them, although Moroccan Finance Minister Salaheddine Mezouar said that people should not join the march. A separate protest was underway in Casablanca and one was planned for Marrakesh. Looting and major disorder were widespread in Tangier, Marrakesh,Al Hoceima,Chefchaouen,Larache,Ksar-el-Kebir,Fez,Guelmim,Tétouan, and Sefrou.

Thousands took to the streets of Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech in peaceful protests demanding a new constitution, a change in government and an end to corruption. During a march on Hassan II Avenue in the capital, Rabat, demonstrators demanded a new constitution to bring more democracy to the country. They shouted slogans calling for economic opportunity, education reform, better health services, and help in coping with the rising cost of living.

The Associated Press estimated the turnout in Rabat at 4,000, while organisers put the crowd outside Parliament at 20,000. The Interior Ministry estimated that the total number of protesters was about 37,000 people.

On 26 February, about 1,000 people demonstrated in Casablanca demanding political reforms, according to AFP.