Moroccans mark uprising anniversary, demand reforms

Moroccans have held protest rallies in two major cities of the North African county to mark the second anniversary of their uprising and renew calls for more political and economic reforms in the kingdom.

In the capital Rabat, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of the parliament on Wednesday and shouted slogans demanding the release of political prisoners.

Non-governmental organizations say there are dozens of political prisoners in the North African country.

Carrying banners emblazoned with the words “Dignity” and “Freedom,” the demonstrators chanted, “All power and wealth for the people.”

Security forces also used force against protesters and arrested a number of them.

“There are many people we haven’t seen for years. This is a new beginning,” said Khadija Ryadi, the president of the Moroccan Association for Human Rights.

“The demands are still the same, meaning that there has not been any change,” he said.

Hundreds of activists also took to the streets in the western city of Casablanca to call for democracy and justice reforms.

They also protested against the high cost of living in the kingdom.

Anti-government protests broke out in Morocco on February 20, 2011. Morocco’s King Mohammed VI 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.

The country has been facing serious economic troubles over the past few years, with high unemployment and rising levels of poverty.