2011–2012 Moroccan protests

Part of the Arab Spring protests September 2020 2011–2012 Moroccan protests the Arab Spring 2011 Moroccan protests 1.jpg Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Casablanca on 15 May 2011 yes 2011 02 20 – yes 2012 09 23(02 20 2011 09 23 2012) Morocco *Police brutalityMorocco: Police Violence a Test for Revised Constitution 11 July 2011 https://www.hrw.org/news/2011/07/11/morocco-police-violence-test-revised-constitution Human Rights Watch 29 December 2011 6 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110906115732/https://www.hrw.org/news/2011/07/11/morocco-police-violence-test-revised-constitution live Electoral fraudMoroccan Protestors Reject Reform Vote http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/07/20117321108674406.html Aljazeera news 29 December 2011 23 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111223135201/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/africa/2011/07/20117321108674406.html live Political censorshipAlmiraat Hisham Morocco: Multiple Arrests Against Activists http://censorshipinamerica.com/2011/09/13/morocco-multiple-arrests-against-activists/ Censorship in America 29 December 2011 https://archive.today/20120710150451/http://censorshipinamerica.com/2011/09/13/morocco-multiple-arrests-against-activists/ 10 July 2012 dead Widespread corruption High unemployment Utility costsRiots in Moroccan City Over Utility Costs https://www.reuters.com/article/morocco-riots-idUSLDE71I08K20110219 Reuters 19 February 2011 14 January 2012 Rabat 11 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160311040405/http://www.reuters.com/article/morocco-riots-idUSLDE71I08K20110219 live No minimum wage Constitutional reformsKaram Souhail Moroccan King Triumphs in Reform Vote https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-reform-idUSTRE76019220110701 Reuters 29 December 2011 1 July 2011 1 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181504/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-reform-idUSTRE76019220110701 live *DemonstrationsKaram Souhail Moroccan Protestors Demand Limit on Royal Powers https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-protests-idUSTRE71I3VY20110220 Reuters 20 February 2011 5 July 2021 3 April 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220403150822/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-protests-idUSTRE71I3VY20110220 live Civil disobedience BoycottKaram Souhail Thousands of Moroccans Call for Election Boycott https://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-vote-protests-idUSTRE7AJ0P320111120 Reuters Tangier 20 November 2011 14 January 2012 10 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160310162806/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-morocco-vote-protests-idUSTRE7AJ0P320111120 live Online activism Riots Morocco Moroccan opposition Morocco Government of Morocco Royal Moroccan Armed Forces Directorate General of National Security *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. 128http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/59AF3EEC-1269-4F56-9806-23E586288D59.htm?GoogleStatID=9 قتلى بشغب أعقب مظاهرات المغرب AlJazeera.net 21 February 2011 24 February 2011 24 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110224193809/http://www.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/59AF3EEC-1269-4F56-9806-23E586288D59.htm?GoogleStatID=9 live 6https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=224033 The Jerusalem Post 7 June 2011 11 June 2011 Demonstrator's death energizes Moroccan protesters David Miller 31 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121031154635/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=224033 live The Moroccan protests were a series of demonstrations across Morocco which occurred from 20 February 2011 to the fall of 2012. They were part of the larger Arab Spring protests.Hatem Mohammed http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-02-16/bahrain-yemen-libya-face-protests-as-region-s-unrest-spreads.html Bahrain, Yemen, Libya Face Protests as Region's Unrest Spreads Business Week 16 February 2011April 2023 medicmedic The protests were organized by the 20 February Movement. Origin The protests in Morocco were inspired by the Arab Spring protests and revolutions in other North African and Middle Eastern countries, particularly Egypt, Libya and Tunisia due to similar culture and history.https://books.google.com/books?id=YxAzDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA97 Morocco: Challenges to Tradition and Modernity Sater James N. 2016-05-20 Routledge 9781317573982 97 en 23 August 2017 16 September 2023 https://web.archive.org/web/20230916063721/https://books.google.com/books?id=YxAzDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA97 live They were centred around demands for political reform, which included reform against police brutality, electoral fraud, political censorship and high unemployment. Timeline 2011 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."https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703498804576156180408970252?mod=googlenews_wsj The Wall Street Journal Marc Champion Morocco Joins in, Defying Predictions 21 February 2011 3 August 2017 29 March 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220329205302/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703498804576156180408970252?mod=googlenews_wsj live 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.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12518116 Morocco protesters demand political change BBC 20 February 2011 20 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110221024225/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12518116 21 February 2011 live Looting and major disorder were widespread in Tangier,http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28211 تخريب مخفر شرطة ووكالة بنكية في طنجة Hespress 19 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28211 live Marrakesh,http://www.aufaitmaroc.com/actualites/maroc/2011/2/20/20-fevrier-incidents-apres-des-manifestations-a-marrakech-et-a-larache "20 février": Incidents après des manifestations à Marrakech et à Larache Aufait Maroc 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110224010619/http://www.aufaitmaroc.com/actualites/maroc/2011/2/20/20-fevrier-incidents-apres-des-manifestations-a-marrakech-et-a-larache 24 February 2011 http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28257 بلطجية' مراكش يفسدون مسيرة 20 فبراير' Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28257 live http://lakome.com/videos/77-featured/2614-2011-02-20-22-15-24.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110222221615/http://www.lakome.com/videos/77-featured/2614-2011-02-20-22-15-24.html dead 22 February 2011 أعمال تخريب بمراكش Lakome.com 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 Al Hoceima,http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28276 تخريب يطال الحسيمة بعد انتهاء مسيرة 20 فبراير Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28276 live http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28275 التخريب بمدينة الحسيمة Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28275 live Chefchaouen, Larache,http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28272 يد التخريب تمتد إلى العرائش والقصر الكبير Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28272 live http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28271 نهب وتخريب في العرائش Hespress 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28271 live Ksar-el-Kebir, Fez,http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28274 عنف بمدينة فاس Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28274 live Guelmim,http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28263 اشتباكات بين الأمن ومتظاهرين في كلميم Hespress 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28263 live Tétouan,http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28416 218 شخصا أمام العدالة بعد أحداث 20 فبراير Hespress 24 February 2011 25 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28416 live and Sefrou.http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28264 هدوء حذر يسود مدينة صفرو Hespress 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28264 live 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.http://www.metro.co.uk/news/856068-protests-spread-to-streets-of-morocco Protests spread to streets of Morocco Metro NEws 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 24 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110224235845/http://www.metro.co.uk/news/856068-protests-spread-to-streets-of-morocco live http://www.euronews.net/2011/02/20/moroccans-want-to-reign-in-royal-powers/ Moroccans want to reign in royal powers Euronews 20 February 2011 21 February 2011 25 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110225204802/http://www.euronews.net/2011/02/20/moroccans-want-to-reign-in-royal-powers/ dead The Associated Press estimated the turnout in Rabat at 4,000, while organisers put the crowd outside Parliament at 20,000.http://archive.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/02/21/moroccans_join_in_spreading_unrest/ Moroccans join in spreading unrest The Boston Globe Hassan Alaoui Associated Press 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 Rabat 1 February 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160201181503/http://www.boston.com/news/world/africa/articles/2011/02/21/moroccans_join_in_spreading_unrest/ live The Interior Ministry estimated that the total number of protesters was about 37,000 people.http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20110221162602/maroc-violences-mohammed-vi-reformele-bilan-des-manifestations-au-maroc-s-eleve-a-cinq-morts-et-128-blesses.html Le bilan des manifestations au Maroc s'élève à cinq morts et 128 blessés Jeune Afrique 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 23 February 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110223051401/http://www.jeuneafrique.com/Article/ARTJAWEB20110221162602/maroc-violences-mohammed-vi-reformele-bilan-des-manifestations-au-maroc-s-eleve-a-cinq-morts-et-128-blesses.html live On 26 February, about 1,000 people demonstrated in Casablanca demanding political reforms, according to AFP.http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/at-reform-rally-in-morocco/story-fn6s850w-1226012647707 Casablanca catches protest fever 27 February 2011 1 March 2011 Herald Sun Agence France-Presse 10 September 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130910074245/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad/at-reform-rally-in-morocco/story-fn6s850w-1226012647707 live On 13 March, several hundred demonstrators gathered in Casablanca demanding reforms. Riot police broke up the rally with batons, injuring dozens in what was described as the most violent intervention since the start of the protests.Moroccan police break up rally, hurt dozens-witness https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE72D00X20110314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&sp=true https://web.archive.org/web/20110318152042/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE72D00X20110314?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&sp=true dead 18 March 2011 Reuters Africa 14 March 2011 15 March 2011 On 20 March, an estimated 35,000 citizens of diverse backgrounds and interests"Around 35,000 protested on Sunday in different Moroccan cities - authorities" https://web.archive.org/web/20110324185500/http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/social/around_35000_protes/view 24 March 2011 , Agence Maghreb Arabe Presse. 21 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011"Photos of 20 March Protests in Morocco" https://web.archive.org/web/20110323113415/http://www.moroccoboard.com/news/34/5153 23 March 2011 , Morocco Board News Service. 20 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011 participated in peaceful protests in more than 60 cities across the country, some demanding more political changes than those announced by King Mohammed in his 9 March address, with others wanting to keep up the pressure so that the reforms come about.https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iu2GgwAB5vFQmq-iZrp2ZsSD4W3Q?docId=CNG.30929bbed886ca3041584a88b0537905.d81 Thousands rally in call for Morocco reforms Agence France-Presse 20 March 2011 14 January 2012 Rabat 23 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110323101653/https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iu2GgwAB5vFQmq-iZrp2ZsSD4W3Q?docId=CNG.30929bbed886ca3041584a88b0537905.d81 dead The police did not intervene and no violent acts were reported. On 24 April, thousands of people protested across Morocco, demanding an end to corruption, an independent judiciary, constitutional reforms, legislative elections as well as more jobs for university graduates.Protesters demand reform in Morocco http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/04/201142512013759717.html Al Jazeera 25 April 2011 25 April 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110429090358/http://english.aljazeera.net/video/africa/2011/04/201142512013759717.html 29 April 2011 liveMoroccans stage peaceful pro-democracy protests Agence France-Presse https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jLVsfu60TI8Ev8KlOaNQdZgp5uNw?docId=CNG.f9dc8540002b694b3f07a574f74a6ed3.ce1 24 April 2011 25 April 2011 Rabat 26 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110726032932/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jLVsfu60TI8Ev8KlOaNQdZgp5uNw?docId=CNG.f9dc8540002b694b3f07a574f74a6ed3.ce1 dead On 8 May, thousands of Moroccans marched in Marrakesh to demand reforms and express their opposition towards terrorist attacks, like the one on 28 April.Thousands demand reform in Morocco rally Souhail Karam http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE74716020110508?sp=true Reuters Canada 8 May 2011 11 May 2011 Marrakesh 29 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120329064947/http://ca.reuters.com/article/topNews/idCATRE74716020110508?sp=true dead On 22 May, Moroccan police spent hours chasing hundreds of pro-democracy activists through the streets of the capital in an effort to prevent any pro-reform demonstrations. The government appeared to be implementing a new zero-tolerance policy for protesters.http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/Article_2011-05-22-ML-Morocco-Demonstrations/id-paaa0869d0d074b9388450639c6688ea5 Associated Press 22 May 2011 23 May 2011 19 October 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171019224203/http://hosted2.ap.org/APDEFAULT/Article_2011-05-22-ML-Morocco-Demonstrations/id-paaa0869d0d074b9388450639c6688ea5 live On 5 June, nearly 60,000 protesters convened in Rabat and Casablanca to demonstrate, many carrying a picture of Kamal Amari,"Up to 60,000 protesters march in Morocco" https://web.archive.org/web/20220331211643/https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2011/06/06/Up-to-60000-protesters-march-in-Morocco/UPI-24741307361952/?spt=hs&or=tn 31 March 2022 , UPI. 6 June 2011. accseesd 6 June 2011 who died from police brutality. The death highlighted escalating police brutality directed at demonstrators."Police violence reaching new levels in Morocco with Sunday beatings" https://web.archive.org/web/20220331210203/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/05/30/morocco.protests.violence/ 31 March 2022 , CNN. 30 May 2011. Retrieved 6 June 2011 On 28 July, a few dozen 20 February Movement protesters gathered in front of a courthouse in Safi to demand authorities to free two unfairly arrested Sebt Gzoula demonstrators. Those twoNovember 2012 were arrested under false claims of attacking government forces.December 2011 Protests have continued nearly every Sunday, with thousands marching in cities around Morocco calling for governmental reform.December 2011 On 18 September, 3,000 protesters marched through the streets of Casablanca in the largest such demonstration in months.http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/18/ap/middleeast/main20107964.shtml Morocco's democracy protests restart after hiatus dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110919155145/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/09/18/ap/middleeast/main20107964.shtml 2011-09-19 2012 March 2013 On 27 May, tens of thousands of Moroccans took to the streets of Casablanca protesting against the government's alleged failure to tackle unemployment and other social woes, accusing Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane of failing to deliver promised reforms. Morocco protests fill Casablanca streets 27 May 2012 BBC News https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18231125 10 September 2012 23 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120823033609/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-18231125 live On 22 July, hundreds of protesters led by 20 February Youth Movement marched in the working class area of Sidi Bernoussi in Casablanca and chanted against government policies, social marginalisation, and corruption. They also took aim at the wealthy clique of Moroccans known as the Makhzen, the governing elite centred around monarch King Mohammed VI. They were later met with violence by police; suddenly at the very end, police started beating street vendors and passers-by and later started chasing and apprehending protesters.Molloy Connor Morocco protests turn violent 25 July 2012 Daily News Egypt http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/25/morocco-protests-turn-violent/ 10 September 2012 27 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120827164148/http://thedailynewsegypt.com/2012/07/25/morocco-protests-turn-violent/ live On 11 August, nearly 1,000 people gathered in Casablanca chanting anti-corruption slogans, denouncing the sharp rise in prices, and calling for the release of jailed activists, with another 300 people gathered near the main boulevard in Rabat chanting slogans criticising Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and King Mohammed VI, while waving anti-government banners. Activists blame the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) for a surge in fuel prices – petrol jumped by 20% in June 2012 when the government moved to cut its unaffordable subsidies bill – that has driven up the cost of food and other basic goods. They also accuse the moderate Islamist party of not fulfilling its campaign pledges to address social grievances and fight corruption. Anti-government demos in Morocco's main cities 11 August 2012 Agence France-Presse (via Google) https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hMyJ5rFtqF4ToxuixWwMXTsJ806g?docId=CNG.0ecd32f22630d8846ffcba9428901618.91 10 September 2012 24 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130224151335/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hMyJ5rFtqF4ToxuixWwMXTsJ806g?docId=CNG.0ecd32f22630d8846ffcba9428901618.91 dead Dozens of activists gathered on 23 August outside Parliament to call for the abolition of the ceremony of the Bay'ah, in which government officials bow down before King Mohammed VI in an elaborate ritual at the palace in Rabat, an annual event normally held on 30 July to commemorate the king's coronation 13 years ago. Opposition activists say the event perpetuates a "backwardness" and "servitude" in Morocco that is inappropriate for the 21st century, touching on a highly sensitive issue in the North African country. Most of those attending demonstration were members of the 20 February Youth Movement.Martelli Simon Protest over Morocco king loyalty ritual highlights tensions 23 August 2012 Agence France-Presse (via Google) https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iL-sPVYaDTFBuxsIX0ydVsUYG3gw?docId=CNG.70a031fd8f1cbe07c563f19c1c6f856f.1a1 10 September 2012 27 August 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120827024836/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5iL-sPVYaDTFBuxsIX0ydVsUYG3gw?docId=CNG.70a031fd8f1cbe07c563f19c1c6f856f.1a1 dead About 500 demonstrators marched in Rabat on 23 September to protest against corruption and political detentions. The marchers, mostly youths, chanted slogans urging the authorities to release from prison members of the 20 February Youth Movement. There were no reports of unrest and the march ended peacefully.Protests in Rabat against political detentions https://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jA6jKrty4836LFDx7I3yYb_UAT-A?docId=CNG.ecf981e7cccc633c7b442e7e2570178e.831 24 September 2012 Agence France-Presse (via Google) 23 September 2012 24 February 2013 https://web.archive.org/web/20130224151340/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jA6jKrty4836LFDx7I3yYb_UAT-A?docId=CNG.ecf981e7cccc633c7b442e7e2570178e.831 dead Domestic response On 9 March 2011, in a live televised address, King Mohammed VI announced that there would be "a comprehensive constitutional reform", with the aim of improving democracy and the rule of law. Also underlined was his "firm commitment to giving a strong impetus to the dynamic and deep reforms... taking place". A referendum would be held on the draft constitution, he said. He also pledged that future parliamentary elections would be free and that the head of the winning party would form the new government. The live broadcast was the first time the king has delivered an address to the nation since thousands of people demonstrated in several cities on February 20 demanding political reform and limits on his powers. The king announced the formation of a commission to work on the constitutional revisions, with proposals to be made to him by June after which a referendum would be held on the draft constitution.Moroccan monarch pledges reform Al Jazeera http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201139204839521962.html 9 March 2011 9 March 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110310063322/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/03/201139204839521962.html 10 March 2011 live The commission was widely criticizedWhy has Morocco's king survived the Arab Spring? BBC https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-15856989 24 November 2011 24 November 2011 6 March 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20140306045108/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-15856989 live for its failure to successfully curtail the king's authority. As a result, the government continued to function as it previously had. There have been other peaceful rallies since then, including in the capital Rabat and the country's biggest city Casablanca, with young activists campaigning for greater democracy using social media to call for new demonstrations on March 20. Constitutional reform proposals In a televised speech on 17 June 2011, King Mohammed VI announced a series of constitutional reforms, passed through a national referendum on 1 July.Morocco King Proposes Limited Steps to Democracy https://web.archive.org/web/20181116152844/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/18/world/africa/18morocco.html?_r=1&src=me&ref=world 16 November 2018 , The New York Times, 17 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2011 The newly proposed reforms were largely supported by Moroccans, and popular celebrations were observed throughout the country, although the leaders of the 20 February Movement rejected the proposals as insufficient and called for continuing protests on 19 June 2011 demanding "truly democratic constitution and a parliamentary monarchy", while calling for a mass boycott of the poll.Protests called against Morocco reform plan https://web.archive.org/web/20110827132024/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/06/201161810543184895.html 27 August 2011 , Al Jazeera, 18 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2011https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13827502 BBC News Moroccans demonstrate over king's proposed reforms 20 June 2011 20 June 2018 1 April 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220401080206/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13827502 live On 29 June 2011, the protesters called for a boycott of the referendum.http://derstandard.at/1308680006152/Demokratiebewegung-ruft-zum-Boykott-auf DerStandard.at 30 June 2011 2 July 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110702201201/http://derstandard.at/1308680006152/Demokratiebewegung-ruft-zum-Boykott-auf live The proposed reforms passed and gave the prime minister and parliament more executive authority, and made Berber an official language in Morocco, together with Arabic, as well as the Arab-Hassani Language spoken among the Saharawi tribes of Morocco. The proposal empowered the prime minister with the authority to appoint government officials and to dissolve the parliament - the powers previously held by the king. However, the king remains the military commander-in-chief and retains his position as the chair of the Council of Ministers and the Supreme Security Council, the primary bodies responsible for the security policy. A new constitutional provision also confirms the king's role as the highest religious authority in the country.Morocco's King Mohammed unveils constitutional reforms https://web.archive.org/web/20220402222347/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-13816974 2 April 2022 , BBC News, 18 June 2011. Retrieved 19 June 2011 In a televised speech on 30 July the king said the constitutional changes should be implemented swiftly, starting with parliamentary elections, adding that "any delay may jeopardise this dynamic of trust and squander opportunities offered by the new reform". After negotiations between the interior ministry, which oversees elections, and some 20 political parties, the government proposed that parliamentary elections should take place on 11 November instead of the scheduled date of September next year.Morocco to host early parliamentary election http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/201181541738753674.html Al Jazeera 15 August 2011 15 August 2011 13 October 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111013022017/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/08/201181541738753674.html live A large number of protesters went onto the streets again on 11 September 2011http://derstandard.at/1315006080977/Tausende-demonstrieren-erneut-fuer-demokratische-Reformen DerStandard.at 18 September 2011 11 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121011205426/http://derstandard.at/1315006080977/Tausende-demonstrieren-erneut-fuer-demokratische-Reformen live and on 18 September 2011.Morocco's pro-democracy movements start demonstrations again after hiatus https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/moroccos-pro-democracy-movements-start-demonstrations-again-after-hiatus/2011/09/18/gIQArwB2cK_story.html https://web.archive.org/web/20110923023420/http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/moroccos-pro-democracy-movements-start-demonstrations-again-after-hiatus/2011/09/18/gIQArwB2cK_story.html 2011-09-23 dead Media platforms One of the media platforms that advertised the movement was Mamfakinch, a collaborative website that published content mainly in French and Arabic, but also English. "Mamfakinch" means "no concession."http://moroccansforchange.com/2011/04/03/mamfakinch/ Moroccans For Change Mamfakinch dead https://web.archive.org/web/20150415045504/http://moroccansforchange.com/2011/04/03/mamfakinch/ 15 April 2015 The website was started by young Moroccans who were excited by the 20 February demonstrations, which sought sweeping social, economic, and political reform in Morocco. The designers claim diverse political persuasions but share a common belief in the democratic values of freedom and humans rights. The site is not afraid to be critical of the Moroccan government and promotes the rights to free speech and access to information. Mamfakinch is a citizen media source endeavoring to provide accurate information that other, mainstream media sources misrepresent, intentionally distort, or completely ignore. http://summit2012.globalvoicesonline.org/2012/07/announcing-the-winners-of-the-breaking-borders-awards/ Global Voices Announcing the Winners of the Breaking Borders Awards 20 May 2014 26 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160326095600/http://summit2012.globalvoicesonline.org/2012/07/announcing-the-winners-of-the-breaking-borders-awards/ live In 2012, Mamfakinch received the Google/Global Voices Breaking Borders Award http://summit2012.globalvoicesonline.org/2012/07/announcing-the-winners-of-the-breaking-borders-awards/ Announcing the Winners of the Breaking Borders Awards · Global Voices Summit 2012 2 July 2012 20 May 2014 26 March 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160326095600/http://summit2012.globalvoicesonline.org/2012/07/announcing-the-winners-of-the-breaking-borders-awards/ live for "defending and promoting freedom of speech rights on the internet."https://www.mamfakinch.com/a-propos/ Mamfakinch About Us 20 May 2014 https://web.archive.org/web/20181107033036/https://www.mamfakinch.com/a-propos/ 7 November 2018 usurped Casualties On 20 February 2011, five bodies had been found in Al Hoceima, within a bank that had been destroyed by protesters who set it on fire during the 20 February protests.https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12524647 Morocco protests: Five burned bodies found - minister 21 February 2011 21 February 2011 BBC News https://web.archive.org/web/20110221190059/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12524647 21 February 2011 live According to eyewitnesses, the bodies belonged to rioters that were trying to loot the bank.http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28416 ارتفاع حصيلة أحداث 20 فبراير إلى 6 قتلى Hespress 24 February 2011 25 February 2011 1 February 2008 https://web.archive.org/web/20080201215721/http://www.hespress.com/?browser=view&EgyxpID=28416 live On 2 June 2011, a man died of injuries he had allegedly received during the riots the city of Safi witnessed three days before. Official reports state that the man's participation to the protest in precarious health conditions led to the complications which caused his death.David E. Miller Demonstrator's death energizes Moroccan protesters https://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=224033 24 September 2012 The Media Line 7 June 2011 31 October 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20121031154635/http://www.jpost.com/MiddleEast/Article.aspx?id=224033 live See also Arab Spring Berber Spring 2011 Western Saharan protests My Makhzen and Me - documentary by a participant 2015 Moroccan protest movement Further reading Lawrence, A. (2017). "Repression and Activism among the Arab Spring's First Movers: Evidence from Morocco's February 20th Movement." British Journal of Political Science, 47(3), 699–718. References External links Mamfakinch, a website of the 20 February movement Morocco Protest Watch | مرصد الاحتجاجات في المغرب 2011-2012 Moroccan protests Morocco Politics Category:Riots and civil disorder in Morocco Moroccan protests, 2011 Moroccan protests, 2011 Moroccan Category:2011 in Morocco Category:2012 in Morocco Category:Protests in Morocco Moroccan Moroccan