Dozens of mothers gathered outside Morocco’s parliament in Rabat on Saturday to call for the release of their sons, who were detained during the Gen Z 212 protest movement one year earlier.
The gathering focused on families whose relatives remain in detention following protests that spread across several Moroccan cities in late 2025. The demonstrations raised concerns about healthcare, education, employment and public services, while participants also criticised corruption.
Ilham Negro, whose son is among the detainees, said families wanted those held in connection with the protests to be freed.
“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.
Detainees remain held on several charges
According to the source report, hundreds of people remain in detention on charges that include armed rebellion, inciting felonies, property damage and organising unauthorised demonstrations. The report does not specify how many detainees are being held on each charge or whether any of them have been convicted.
Authorities have also been accused of gross abuses against detainees. The accusations were reported without further details about the alleged abuses or identification of the authorities involved.
The mothers’ appeal comes as the movement’s wider demands remain linked to economic and social pressures. Official data cited in the report put unemployment among people aged 15 to 24 at 37 percent in 2025, compared with an overall unemployment rate of 13 percent.
Protests highlighted social spending concerns
The Gen Z 212 marches took place weeks before Morocco hosted the Africa Cup of Nations. Protesters criticised spending on sports infrastructure while social programmes were being cut, according to the source report.
The protests therefore combined demands for improved public services and employment with criticism of government priorities. The Rabat gathering showed that the consequences of the demonstrations continue to affect families a year after the detentions.
The source report did not include a response from Moroccan authorities or provide information on the detainees’ current legal status.
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