Protests by the youth of Morocco turned violent on Wednesday evening, killing at least two after an angry mob attempted to storm a police station in Lqliaa, near the coastal city of Agadir, officials said.
Led by ‘Generation Z’ or Gen-Z, the protests were triggered by angry youngsters who stormed parts of the country, demanding better healthcare and infrastructure from a government that is busy building stadia for the upcoming 2030 FIFA World Cup.
It’s been more than a week since protestors have been on Morocco’s streets, mobilised by the ‘Gen-Z 212’ group, a recently formed collective.
Morocco’s interior ministry said that more than 400 people have been arrested so far, and more than 300 injured in clashes.
Also Read: Moroccan authorities detain dozens in Gen-Z protests
Officers protecting vital infrastructure were “forced to open fire in legitimate self-defence to repel the attack”, which “aimed to seize ammunition, equipment and service weapons,” MAP quoted unnamed officials as saying.
Reports said the officials were able to control an initial attack, but the group came at them again, wielding “bladed weapons”.
“During this attempt, two people died from gunshot wounds, while others were injured during their participation in the attack,” officials said.
Meanwhile, authorities have initiated an official investigation into the incident.
Police authorities on Thursday said that a case against 37 people, including three in detention, has been registered.
Demonstrations are being held against corruption, inadequate education infrastructure, and health security, which they believe have been left in a shambles while the government continues to build sports infrastructure for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
GenZ 212, which expressed “regret” over the violence, describes itself as a “discussion space” focused on issues affecting all citizens, such as health, education and fighting corruption.
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