The Ministry of Interior announced yesterday 15th of June through several decisions addressed to local unions and syndicates the ban on demonstrations scheduled next Tuesday to commemorate the rioting events that took place in Casablanca on June the 20th 1981. Previously, the Democratic Confederation of Labour (CDT) announced on Tuesday that it will organize a manifestation lighting candles to commemorate the 36th anniversary of the clashes that emerged in Casablanca and several other Moroccan cities. Interdiction de la manif du 20 juin - Marrakech pic.twitter.com/VkPIEugSO3 — Omar Radi (@OmarRADI) 15 juin 2017 On Wednesday, local authorities in different cities across the country sent letters to local unions and syndicates, informing them that these marches are banned. The authorities believe, through their decision, that candles protest in solidarity with the Hirak «will be undermining the security of the state based on the information possessed by the administration». Les manifs du 20 juin partout au Maroc, commémoration du 20 juin 1981 et en solidarité avec le #Rif interdites par l'Intérieur. pic.twitter.com/vbAN8sg0mz — Omar Radi (@OmarRADI) 15 juin 2017 On the 20th of June, 1981 the CDT launched a general strike which had quickly turned into a tragedy, leading to the death of several inhabitant of the city. The demonstration was brutally suppressed and hundreds of protesters were killed. Nicknamed the «bread revolt», the strike movement in several cities of the kingdom also occurred following pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the Moroccan government to reduce subsidies granted to certain foodstuffs.
