Morocco

Freedom of assembly within Morocco is limited, with official pre-authorisation required for public gatherings and alleged violent dispersal of demonstrations (including pre-approved demonstrations) critical of the authorities or the monarchy. Human rights defenders in Morocco have allegedly been subjected to arbitrary arrest, ill treatment while in detention, unfair trials and arbitrary conviction as a result of legitimate non-violent activities in defence of human rights.

Members of Moroccan human rights organisations have been arrested and imprisoned for participating in peaceful demonstrations and police have allegedly used excessive force in the forcible repression of demonstrations in those defenders’ support. Human rights activities risk being further constrained by the broadly defined anti-terrorism legislation in force in Morocco. The Moroccan authorities reportedly continue to suppress Sahrawi human rights defenders: see further <link to Western Sahara country profile>.