Around 193 people have been prosecuted following recent protests in several Moroccan cities, according to Zakaria El Arrousi, judge and head of the unit monitoring judicial measures at the Presidency of the Public Prosecution. In a statement to the media, El Arrousi explained that a request to investigate 18 suspects had been submitted, with 16 placed in detention by order of the investigating judge. He added that 19 other suspects were prosecuted in custody by the competent public prosecutors due to the seriousness of the acts committed, mainly public-order crimes, noting that some were under the influence of drugs at the time. In addition, 158 suspects are being prosecuted while on provisional release, while charges against 24 others were dropped. A number of individuals were released after being questioned in legal proceedings. El Arrousi underlined that these unauthorized protests were marked by behaviors far removed from peaceful demonstration. The incidents included stone-throwing at security forces, vandalism of citizens' property, damage to vehicles and shopfronts, theft, arson of state-owned cars, destruction of public property, violence, and blocking of public roads. Given that these acts endangered citizens' safety and fell under criminal law, judicial investigations were launched under the supervision of the relevant public prosecutors, in line with legal requirements. He further noted that several minors were involved and have been referred to juvenile courts. Investigations also revealed that certain individuals had shared digital content through social media accounts to incite people to protest, while others circulated videos of demonstrations abroad in order to mislead the public, boost viewership, and profit financially. El Arrousi stressed that investigations are still underway to apprehend other suspects involved in the events of September 30, who will be presented before prosecutors once identified. He concluded that the public prosecution remains committed to safeguarding citizens' security and property, maintaining public order, and protecting rights and freedoms, adding that prosecutors will not hesitate to strictly enforce the law to ensure safety and security.
