HIBAPRESS – Rabat
The organization "Don't Touch My Child" expressed its deep concern regarding the way recent peaceful demonstrations in a number of Moroccan cities were handled, noting worrying violations that included violent arrests of young people and citizens, including minors who appeared in documented scenes with sound and image on social media platforms and media outlets.
In an official statement, the organization indicated that a number of arrests included young people who were not necessarily participating in the demonstrations, but were present in their vicinity or near the camera lenses, raising questions about the extent of respect for the right to be in the public space without harassment. "Don't Touch My Child" confirmed that peaceful protest is a constitutional right guaranteed by international agreements ratified by Morocco, and under no circumstances can it be considered a threat as long as it does not deviate from its peaceful nature. During a field mission carried out by the organization's president, Ms. Najat Anwar, accompanied by one of its members, the organization witnessed what it described as *"a disproportionate response"* from the authorities, although the gathering was not officially licensed, but it took place in an atmosphere largely free of violence. However, the security response was characterized, according to the organization, by "exaggeration and abuse," as the arrests included even those who did not participate in the demonstration or appear in any media outlet. A disturbing incident that the organization monitored was the arrest of one of its members without justification, which prompted its president to publicly intervene to demand his release, but she was also arrested and taken to a police center, where she was interrogated for several hours, in flagrant violation of the human rights role she was exercising as a neutral observer. The organization confirmed that the presence of its members in the field came in response to complaints from young people and minors who were arrested, and the goal was to prepare a field report based on reliable testimonies and direct observations, not to participate in any political or protest activity. "Don't Touch My Child" warned that such actions contribute to deepening the crisis of trust between citizens and the authorities, and give the impression that there is a decline in the field of human rights, especially with regard to dealing with social and youth movements. In this context, the organization recalled the instructions of the Public Prosecution, which prohibit the arrest of human rights defenders and political officials during demonstrations, demanding strict respect for these directives, as they are important in guaranteeing public freedoms. The organization affirmed that the protesting youth, instead of being treated as criminals, should be respected as citizens demanding their legitimate social rights, in health, education and dignity. It also stressed the need to involve them in public discussion, instead of pushing them into the street as the only option to make their voices heard. "Don't Touch My Child" concluded its statement by emphasizing that any excessive reaction from the state may negatively affect the image of Morocco and its human rights obligations internationally, noting that the time has come to listen to the voice of the youth and recognize their demands as part of the rights guaranteed by the constitution.
