Dozens of Moroccan mothers gathered outside Parliament in Rabat on Saturday, September 26, demanding the release of young people still detained a year after the GenZ 212 protests that swept several cities. The demonstrations, which began in late September 2025, called for improvements in healthcare, education, employment and public services, as well as greater action against corruption. Moroccan human-rights groups say about 5,700 people were arrested during and after the protests, with roughly 650 still in detention, although figures vary depending on the source and cases continue to be processed.
Families say prolonged detention has disrupted the education and lives of young detainees, including some who were minors when they were arrested. “We want all the children to be free,” said Ilham Negro, the mother of a detainee, saying some had already lost a full school year. Rights organizations and lawyers have criticized aspects of the authorities’ response, while Moroccan authorities have prosecuted protesters over offences linked to demonstrations and violence. Amnesty International has also called for charges against people detained solely for peaceful assembly to be dropped. The protests reflected wider economic concerns among young Moroccans. Official statistics show youth unemployment remains significantly higher than the national rate, with recent figures continuing to highlight difficulties facing young people entering the labour market
