National Observatory for Strategic Studies: Riots Have No Connection to Freedom of Expression
The National Observatory for Strategic Studies (المرصد الوطني للدراسات الاستراتيجية) issued a statement expressing its “deep concern” over demonstrations organized in certain Moroccan cities by young people seeking to voice legitimate social demands, which quickly escalated into acts of violence and vandalism. These incidents included the destruction of public and private property, the burning and looting of businesses, as well as assaults on members of the security forces.
The Observatory emphasized that such behaviors “have no relation to freedom of expression or the right to peaceful protest, but constitute criminal acts and serious excesses that cannot, under any circumstances, be justified.” It also stressed that “solidarity with the youth does not mean endorsing or legitimizing acts of sabotage,” noting that these disturbances are intertwined with external attempts to target the security and stability of the Kingdom, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns aimed at sovereign institutions.
In this context, the Observatory announced:
- its firm condemnation of what it describes as “criminal acts” committed during these events;
- its call for strict enforcement of the law in response to any form of security breach;
- its renewed full support for the security forces in their mission to protect lives and property;
- its appeal to Moroccan youth to engage in the peaceful and responsible expression of their demands, in full respect of the law and national institutions.
Finally, the National Observatory for Strategic Studies concluded its statement by reaffirming that “maintaining stability is a collective responsibility, and that Morocco’s strength lies in its national unity and the solidity of its institutions.”
Editorial team/le7tv
