Morocco tensions: 83 police, protesters injured in clashes

Clashes between police and Moroccan protesters Thursday left at least 83 injured in clouds of tear gas and running battles at an unauthorised demonstration over inequality and corruption.

Moroccans have in recent days demonstrated in Rabat and as far away as Amsterdam to show their support for the protesters who gathered on Thursday in El Hoceima, a city that has become a symbol for rising public anger.

Their Hirak protest movement has become the biggest challenge to the kingdom, a key US ally known for its stability, since the Arab Spring in 2011 overthrew longstanding regimes elsewhere in the region.

Moroccan activist leader Nasser Zefzafi called for a protest in El Hoceima on July 20 the anniversary of an uprising against Spanish colonizers before his arrest last month in a dramatic manhunt.

Authorities banned Thursday's demonstration for administrative reasons, but crowds gathered anyway.

Police ringed the city center and fired tear gas to disperse crowds, then held running battles with protesters who scattered into side streets, according to Moroccan media reports.

Internet access in the city was restricted for hours.

SOURCE: NEWS24