Morocco arrests 400+ as youth protesters demand government steps down

Moroccan protesters continued to demand the resignation of the government on Friday as the demonstrations turned deadly this week.

What happened: Thousands of protesters gathered in Casablanca, Rabat and elsewhere in the country on Thursday night. The local news outlet Hespress reported no mass arrests or clashes, describing “a shift from earlier confrontations" — a reference to the property destruction and deaths during clashes with police earlier in the week. 

The group leading the protests, known as GenZ 212, posted a list of demands on Discord, Facebook and other social media sites early Friday morning. They called for the following in the letter to King Mohammed VI: 

• the dismissal of the current government led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch
• a judicial process to hold corrupt politicians and businesspeople “accountable,” including those responsible for embezzlement and illegal enrichment
• the dissolution of political parties involved in corruption
• equal opportunities for young people in health, education and employment free from nepotism or favoritism
• stronger freedom of expression
• the release of all detainees linked to peaceful protests as well as other “prisoners of conscience” and participants in past uprisings
• a public session on national accountability 

Akhannouch issued a statement on Thursday saying he is aware of the protesters' demands and is ready for "dialogue and discussion."