Hundreds of police officers and more than 20 civilians have been injured as anti-government protests turned violent in Morocco.
Four days of protests, mostly led by Moroccan youths, have been held against what has been called the government’s misplaced priorities.
Protesters claim officials have been pouring money into investments related to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, while neglecting social services like health and education.
Morocco’s interior ministry said the nationwide protests had left 263 police officers injured, while 23 civilians had also been hurt.
There had been 409 arrests, prompting officials to warn that anyone found breaking the law would be treated “rigorously and firmly”.
Damage had also been caused to 142 police vehicles and 20 private cars, the ministry said.
In the eastern city of Oujda, a man who was hit by a police vehicle was in a stable condition in hospital, reported the state news agency, Map.
Pictures have shown protesters clashing with riot police and throwing rocks, while vehicles have been set ablaze as violence spread to other towns and cities, including Rabat and Casablanca.
The street demonstrations have been described as some of the country’s biggest in years and continued after dozens of peaceful protesters were arrested at the weekend.
Local media said officers had also detained people while they were being interviewed for TV networks.
Violence broke out in several cities on Tuesday, especially where there are fewer jobs available and a lack of social services, reported local media.
The leaderless Gen Z 212 movement, as the protesters have called themselves, has stoked anger about conditions in hospitals and schools amid outrage over the government’s priorities.
“The right to health, education and a dignified life is not an empty slogan but a serious demand,” the movement’s organisers wrote on Discord.
They also cited King Mohammed VI and implored protesters to remain peaceful, while criticising “repressive security approaches”.
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Government officials have denied prioritising World Cup spending.
Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch is due to hold a meeting on Thursday to look at reforms to health services.
