Marrakesh — Thousands of protesters marched in Morocco on Sunday to demand reform in the Arab World's longest-serving dynasty and to oppose militant violence after a deadly bomb attack.
The rally in Marrakesh is the latest in a series organized by the February 20 youth movement and presents a challenge to the government of King Mohammed, wary the protests could build into an Egypt-style revolt.
The marchers went past a cafe where 17 people, including eight French nationals, died in a bomb attack on 28 April. Authorities last week arrested three suspects and said the ringleader is loyal to Al-Qaeda.
The group's north African wing, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, said on Saturday it was not responsible for the bombing that raised tension in Morocco, in part because it was the first such attack since 2003.
A government official put the number of marchers at up to 3000. Independent reports estimated around 8000 took part.
"I took part in every protest and this one is by far the biggest," said Zakaria Lemdaoui, 18, as he pulled his bicycle along with the marchers.
Protesters held signs with slogans such as: "We are for freedom and security. We oppose terrorism and intimidation." Other banners voiced opposition to corruption.
"This sort of protest must happen every day so that our country moves forward in fighting corruption," said car mechanic Abdelali Hamra, 44, as he watched the march.
"We suffer a lack of opportunities and jobs. The police must also treat us as equals," Hamra told Reuters.
REFORMS
A group of 25-40 protesters within the main march, many with their faces masked, chanted in favor of the downfall of the government and monarchy. Most Moroccans support the monarchy.
"We want this regime with all its institutions to be brought down. We need a constituent assembly to pave the way for real elections and a regime that draws its legitimacy from the people," one marcher told Reuters, declining to give his name.
The uniformed security presence at the rally was light with security forces parked on side streets, but plain-clothes officers could be seen writing down details of the march and speaking into cell phones, a Reuters witness said.
Security forces stopped dozens of people staging a sit-in in front of a court building to demand the release of protesters held since the initial 20 February march, witnesses said.
Officials say the fact that authorities let such rallies proceed is a testament to Morocco's status as one of the most tolerant societies in the Arab World.
Protests in Tunisia which toppled veteran leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali gathered decisive momentum when trade unions put their weight behind them, but Moroccan unions did not join Sunday's march.
A march is also set to take place in Casablanca later.
The government announced in April it would increase public sector salaries and raise the minimum wage in the latest of a series of handouts aimed at preventing any spillover from revolt in other Arab countries.
It also appointed a committee to reform the constitution in order to cede more powers, promised to make justice independent and freed some political prisoners.
