Two people died after officers opened fire during an attempted storming of a police station near Morocco‘s southern city of Agadir on Wednesday evening. Officials said protesters attacked twice with bladed weapons, trying to seize police ammunition, equipment, and firearms. Police responded with gunfire in self-defence, killing two attackers and injuring others. A judicial investigation has now begun into the deadly confrontation.
Protests, driven by the anonymous online group GenZ 212, have spread across Morocco for several days demanding education and health reforms. Demonstrators also called for dignity, freedom, and the fall of corruption, with some demanding Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch’s resignation. Authorities reported over 400 arrests and nearly 300 injuries since Saturday, with more than 260 police officers wounded in clashes.
Violence spreads to multiple cities
While many rallies remained peaceful, others turned violent in cities including Oujda, Inzegane, Casablanca, and Tangier. Protesters torched police cars and a bank in Sale, while looting and vandalism hit shops and government offices in several towns. Ministry spokesman Rachid El Khalfi said demonstrators used knives, Molotov cocktails, and stones during confrontations.
Prosecutors confirmed trials for nearly 130 defendants linked to the unrest, with dozens more facing charges. GenZ 212 expressed regret over violence but vowed to continue pressing for change. Widening inequality and deep regional disparities continue to fuel anger across Morocco, making unrest unlikely to fade quickly.
