Morocco’s human rights council debunks fallacies surrounding Al Hoceima protests

The national human rights council (CNDH) demystified an array of issues that characterized the Al Hoceima protests in late 2016, which were blurred by fake news and disinformation campaigns by groups outside Morocco.

In a 400-page report, CNDH looked from a human rights perspective at AL Hoceima’s protests and investigated torture and violation claims in the area.

“During the last three years, the public opinion consumed 80% of fake news on Al Hoceima protests,” deplored CNDH chairwoman Amina Bouayach.

The council noted the peaceful character of the protests in the beginning before derailing into acts of violence.

The protest leader Nasser Zefzafi “adopted a dangerous rhetoric instigating violence….then he violated the freedom of worship at a mosque,” Bouayach said at a news conference.

Rif protests started after a fishmonger was crashed to death in a garbage truck after his fish was confiscated by authorities. His tragic death fueled a protest movement bringing together thousands to the streets demanding jobs, better hospitals, a university and social justice.