Moroccan protesters hold rallies in major cities

Moroccan protesters have staged rallies in the country’s major cities to protest against corruption and renew their calls for social, economic and political reforms.

The rallies, organized by the February 20 Youth Movement, a group largely consisting of students, took place in the largest city of Casablanca as well as Tangier and al-Hoceima, where protesters denounced rising prices and unemployment.

The anti-government protesters chanted slogans against what they called the regime’s corruption and tyranny.

Morocco has been witnessing rallies nearly every week since the protests, inspired by revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, hit the country early last year. The demonstrations continued even after US-backed King Mohammed VI announced a number of reforms last June.

Although the amendments granted more powers to the prime minister, the king retains his veto power over most government decisions.

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

Moroccans have witnessed a sharp rise in food prices after their government increased the price of gasoline by 20 percent in January.