Moroccans rally for and against reforms

Thousands of demonstrators in Morocco have taken to the streets to demonstrate both for and against constitutional reforms proposed by King Mohammed VI.

The protests came just a week prior to a July 1 referendum on a new constitution proposed by the despotic ruler, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.

In a nationally-televised address on June 17, King Mohammed VI announced a new constitution after nationwide protests for greater rights engulfed the North African state in February.

The opponents of the proposed draft say the new constitution does not reduce the king’s power and keeps him as the head of the military.

According to the new constitution, which was reportedly drawn up by a commission selected by the king, the prime minister and the parliament would wield greater power, but the king would still be allowed to name a prime minister, though this time only from the party that wins most seats at parliamentary elections.

Supporters of the king in Morocco’s largest city, Casablanca, attacked anti-government protesters on Sunday and injured many activists.

The pro-government protesters from all over the country waved the national flag, carried pictures of the king and shouted slogans in support of the new constitution.

In downtown Rabat, the Moroccan capital, a march of at least 2,000 people protesting against the constitution was blocked by police and a few hundred government supporters.

Inspired by Egyptian and Libyan revolutions, thousands of protesters marched through the cities of Morocco in February, demanding political and constitutional reforms, including limits to the powers of King Mohammed VI.

Morocco has been facing serious economic challenges over the past few years, with high unemployment and climbing poverty.