Dozens of mothers gathered outside Morocco’s parliament in Rabat on Saturday to demand the release of sons detained during the “Gen Z 212” protest movement.
The detainees were arrested during demonstrations that spread across several Moroccan cities about a year earlier. Hundreds are still being held in connection with the protests, according to the source material.
Families seek release of detainees
Ilham Negro, identified as the mother of one detainee, said families wanted those detained to return home after a year in custody.
“We want all the children to be free and able to come out after one year; that’s enough. They’ve already lost a whole year of schooling, and this year as well,” Negro said.
The detainees are reported to face charges including armed rebellion, inciting felonies, property damage and organising unauthorised demonstrations. The source does not specify whether every detainee faces all of the listed charges.
Authorities have also been accused of gross abuses against detainees. The identities of those making the accusations, and the specific authorities concerned, were not specified.
Protests focused on public services and jobs
The Gen Z protests spread across several Moroccan cities in late 2025. Participants called for improvements in healthcare, education, employment and public services, while also criticising corruption.
Demonstrators objected to spending on sports infrastructure and cuts to social programmes. The protests took place weeks before Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations.
Employment was among the concerns raised in the wider protest movement. Official data put unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 at 37 percent in 2025, compared with an overall unemployment rate of 13 percent.
The gathering outside parliament comes as families continue to seek the release of those detained during the demonstrations. The exact number of people still in detention has not been provided.
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