Al Hoceima, Morocco: Thousands of people have demonstrated in northern Morocco for the sixth straight night as protesters demand the release of the leader of an antigovernment movement in the Rif region.
The Rif has been shaken by social unrest since the death in October of fishmonger Mohsen Fikri, 31, who was crushed in a rubbish truck as he protested against the seizure of swordfish caught out of season.
Initial protests in the fishing port of Al Hoceima triggered a wider movement demanding more development and railing against corruption and unemployment.
Nasser Zefzafi, who has emerged as the head of the grass roots Al Hirak Al Shaabi, or “Popular Movement”, was arrested on Monday after three days on the run.
State media and politicians have remained largely silent about the events, but the local branches of three parties including the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a joint statement warning of a “serious situation”.
