Thousands Demand Reforms in Morocco

Moroccoan military officers undergoing training. The United States was exposed through the WikiLeaks website for its support for the Monarch in Rabat and its efforts to prevent independence for the Western Sahara., a photo by Pan-African News Wire File Photos on Flickr.

Thousands demand reforms in Morocco

Sunday, 24 April 2011 21:16
CASABLANCA.

Thousands took to the streets of Morocco yesterday in peaceful demonstrations to demand sweeping reforms and an end to political detention, the third day of mass protests since they began in February.

Desperate to avoid the turmoil that toppled leaders in Tunisia and Egypt, authorities have already announced some reforms to placate demands that King Mohammed cede more powers and limit the monarchy's extensive business influence. Some 10 000 people joined the protest in Casablanca, the largest city in one of the West's staunchest Arab allies.

Marchers in the capital Rabat also denounced corruption and torture as well as unemployment, which is very high among youths.

Policing has been low key for protests by the February 20 Movement, named after the date of its first march, particularly compared to the turmoil elsewhere in North Africa.

"This is more about the young ones than it is about us," said Redouane Mellouk, who had brought his 8 year-old son Mohamed Amine, carrying a placard demanding "A New Morocco". - Reuters.