major stronghold of the Hirak.

Until now, the government’s actions have mainly consisted of financial concessions and the sacking of four ministers accused of being responsible for delays in the development project called “El Hoceima Manarat Al Moutawassit” (El Hoceima, Beacon of the Mediterranean). This project includes the construction of hospitals, roads, cultural and sport centers, and equipment for the treatment of cancer, a major demand as the inhabitants of the region are more likely to get cancer because of the bombings that took place there in the early twentieth century. The development project was launched two years ago and became the focus of the street protests in the Rif. As a response, King Mohamed VI directly intervened on the issue and ordered an investigation into the slow pacethe region is facing, they also warn of a major democratic setback. Amnesty International recently denounced widespread human rights violations in Morocco, and even reported torture of Hirak detainees.

Recently, 54 people considered political prisoners by Hirak activists and human rights defenders were presented in court. The prisoners include Nasser Zefzafi, whose trial started on July 10, and journalist Hamid Mahdaoui, editor of the website Badil Info (the website has been shut down), who openly supported the movement. Mahdaoui has already been sentenced to a year in prison for “incitement to protest” and is now accused of “failure to denounce a crime threatening national security.” He faces a five-year sentence, according to Reporters Without Borders.

The Rif region already paid a heavy price when dozens of young people were arrested