Islamic Awakening: Moroccans stage rallies to mark uprising anniversary

Thousands of Moroccans have held nationwide protest rallies to mark the first anniversary of their uprising amid calls for more political and economic reforms in the kingdom.

Protesters poured onto the streets of Casablanca, the country’s second largest city, on Sunday to demand social justice and a fight against corruption in the African country.

In the capital, Rabat, the protesters marched through the center of the town and chanted slogans in support of the so-called “February 20 movement.”

“Before, people were too scared to speak and now they do. The February 20 movement has been a catalyst and people are now mobilized everywhere,” said Souad Guennon, an anti-government activist.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the movement called on “all free people of this nation to continue the struggle for the sake of a real change based on the people’s will.” The movement renewed its appeal for an “end to tyranny and corruption” and the rejection of political reforms introduced by US and Israeli-backed King Mohammed VI last year.

Anti-government protests broke out in Morocco on February 20, 2011. Morocco’s King Mohammed announced some reforms following the rallies, amending the constitution to curtail his powers and hold early elections. The protesters, however, say the reforms do not go far enough.