Mothers demand release of ‘Gen Z 212’ protesters

Dozens of mothers gathered outside the Moroccan Parliament in Rabat on Saturday to demand the release of their sons detained during the ‘Gen Z 212 protest movement one year ago, reports africanews. Hundreds of them remain in detention on charges including armed rebellion, inciting felonies, property damage and organising unauthorised demonstrations. The Gen Z protests spread across several Moroccan cities in late 2025, with participants demanding better healthcare, education, employment and public services while criticising corruption. The marches came weeks before the kingdom hosted the Africa Cup of Nations as protesters criticised spending on sports infrastructure and cuts to social programs. Authorities have been accused of gross abuses against the detainees. Official data put youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 at 37 % in 2025, against an overall rate of 13%.

Full africanews report