Morocco: Protests in Jerada January 13 /update 2

Event

Protests demanding jobs and economic development continued in Jerada (Oriental region) on Saturday, January 13. Thousands of people reportedly demonstrated peacefully in remembrance of two young people who died attempting to extract coal from a closed pit near the town. Additional related protests are expected in Jerada and other cities in Oriental region in the coming weeks.

Context

Various demonstrations have been held in Jerada since late December to demand job creation, economic development, and lower water and electricity prices. The protests began following the above-mentioned accident, which occurred on December 22. Such protests have become common throughout Morocco in recent years amid poor economic conditions.

Young people often attempt to extract coal from closed mines for extra income amid high unemployment rates.

Advice

Individuals in Jerada and elsewhere in Morocco are advised to monitor developments to the situation and avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering as a precaution