The Ministry of the Interior Reports Heavy Toll from Tuesday's Protests

According to the statement, law enforcement intervened on Tuesday, September 30, in various cities across the country to maintain public order and ensure citizen safety. While some interventions followed standard procedures, many gatherings quickly escalated into riots. Individuals resorted to knives, Molotov cocktails, and stone-throwing. These incidents resulted in significant human and material damage, including the burning and vandalism of 142 police vehicles and 20 private cars. The report indicates that 263 law enforcement members were injured to varying degrees, along with 23 civilians, one of whom required medical attention in Oujda. In addition to the clashes, several government offices, bank branches, and businesses were targeted. Reports of looting and vandalism emerged from Aït Amira (Chtouka-Aït Baha province), Inzegane-Aït Melloul, Agadir Ida-Outanane, Tiznit, and Oujda. In Oujda, protesters even intercepted a Civil Protection ambulance, preventing it from assisting the injured. The Ministry detailed the regional distribution of incidents: Inzegane-Aït Melloul reported 69 injured law enforcement members, 7 damaged vehicles, 3 vandalized bank branches, and several businesses affected. Oujda-Angad had 51 injured and 40 destroyed vehicles. Skhirat-Témara reported 44 injured and 60 damaged vehicles. Beni Mellal had 28 injured and 7 affected vehicles. Errachidia saw 13 injured and 8 damaged vehicles. Berkane reported 10 injured and 12 damaged vehicles. Tiznit had 8 injured and 1 private vehicle affected. Chtouka-Aït Baha reported 5 injured and 12 damaged vehicles. Rabat had 5 injured, Guelmim had 5 injured and 1 damaged private vehicle, and Nador reported 4 injured and 10 destroyed vehicles. Other cities like Khénifra, Meknès, Ouarzazate, Casablanca, and Taroudant experienced several injuries and limited material damage. A total of 409 individuals have been placed in custody by the competent prosecutor's office. Others underwent simple identity checks before being released. The Ministry emphasized that these protests were organized outside the legal framework, following anonymous calls circulated on social media. It reiterated that law enforcement interventions were conducted in accordance with legal provisions and professional standards. While reaffirming the authorities' commitment to protecting freedoms, including the right to peaceful protest within the law, the Ministry stressed its determination to act firmly against any violations. Individuals found guilty of reprehensible acts will be prosecuted in accordance with the law and under the supervision of the prosecutor's office.