The deaths are the first reported since large-scale protests kicked off Saturday, led by young Moroccans who say they are upset about the government’s decision to prioritize building soccer stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup instead of investing in health care and addressing high unemployment. Demonstrations have spread across major cities, including Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, and Marrakesh.
Chants such as “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” have become common at rallies. One protester from Oujda told the BBC that his local hospital felt like a “jail,” describing dirty conditions and alleging that patients must pay bribes to get treatment. He asked not to be named.
The youth-driven movement, known online as GenZ 212, a reference to Morocco’s international dialing code, has said it is not responsible for outbreaks of violence. Organizers rely mainly on social media and have no formal leadership structure.
Morocco’s interior ministry said earlier this week that citizens’ right to protest would be respected, but security forces have cracked down as unrest has escalated. In Marrakesh, local media reported that a police station was set on fire. Officials say 409 people have been arrested nationwide.
Interior ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi told reporters that 260 police officers and 20 protesters have been injured, with dozens of vehicles torched during clashes.
The economic backdrop is fueling the anger: official figures put unemployment at 12.8 percent overall, with youth joblessness at 35.8 percent and nearly one in five graduates out of work.
The protests mirror similar youth uprisings this year in Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar
