Sunday, June 5, 2011

Thousands stage anti-govt. rally in Rabat


Sun Jun 5, 2011 5:42PM
Protesters hold pictures of victim of police brutality at a protest rally in Rabat.
Thousands of young protesters in Morocco have taken to the streets of Rabat to demand reforms despite a ban on demonstrations in the North African monarchy.


There have been no reports of police violence as security forces have been told not to intervene unless the Sunday protests turn ugly.

The fresh call for reform comes a week after police cracked down on demonstrators in Safi, Rabat and Casablanca, injuring dozens.

A protester beaten at last week's rally in Safi recently died in hospital.

However, officials deny that his death is related to police brutality and have ordered an autopsy.

He is the seventh protester to have been killed over the past three months.

"We are here today to protest the murder of Khaled al-Amari," protesters said at the rally.

"But we are also here because we demand dignity, democracy and freedom. This repression must end."

Protesters have been calling for a constitutional monarchy since the beginning of this year and say they are determined to make peaceful demands for real democracy.

King Mohammed has set up a constitutional committee to draw up amendments to the Constitution based on proposals put forward by the February 20 movement.

The committee is expected to table its recommendations later this month.

Protesters want an end to corruption, prison torture, and unemployment.

The Monarchy is desperate to avoid an Egyptian- or Tunisian-style revolution.

JR/HGH/MMN
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