Thousands of Moroccans protesting Sunday, March 20, Rabat and Casablanca in particular, to demand greater democracy and social justice, despite the recent announcement by King Mohammed VI of radical political reform. Some 4,000 people including many Islamists and veiled women, gathered in Rabat before starting a march.
"The Moroccan people demand change," chanted protesters demanding the "resignation of the government." In Casablanca, several thousand people - over 10,000 according to organizers - also marched, chanting "no to corruption and cronyism." Some slogans calling for "a king who reigns but does not govern." Marches and rallies were also planned in other Moroccan cities, the call of "movement of 20 February," a movement initiated by young Moroccans on the social network Facebook in the aftermath of Tunisia and Egypt.
There were no reports of incidents in the late morning and police presence was discreet in Rabat and Casablanca. The call for protest is supported by the youth organization of the Justice and Charity Association, considered the main Islamist movement in Morocco, and several associations and NGOs, such as the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (MAHR).
Mobilization in Casablanca seemed more important than during the first day of events on a national scale, Feb. 20, according to local journalists. "Movement of 20 February" had kept his slogan of protest, despite the promise of reforms launched March 9 by King Mohammed VI in a speech hailed by many countries including the United States and France.
The Moroccan king has announced a series of important measures: establishment of a commission to revise the Constitution, judicial independence, separation of powers and strengthening the powers of the Prime Minister, apparently initiate a move towards a parliamentary monarchy. The protesters, however, wanted to keep the pressure on authorities.
"Movement of 20 February" had also decided to maintain its slogan to protest against the use of force to disperse a demonstration last Sunday in Casablanca. 
"The Moroccan people demand change," chanted protesters demanding the "resignation of the government." In Casablanca, several thousand people - over 10,000 according to organizers - also marched, chanting "no to corruption and cronyism." Some slogans calling for "a king who reigns but does not govern." Marches and rallies were also planned in other Moroccan cities, the call of "movement of 20 February," a movement initiated by young Moroccans on the social network Facebook in the aftermath of Tunisia and Egypt.
There were no reports of incidents in the late morning and police presence was discreet in Rabat and Casablanca. The call for protest is supported by the youth organization of the Justice and Charity Association, considered the main Islamist movement in Morocco, and several associations and NGOs, such as the Moroccan Association for Human Rights (MAHR).
Mobilization in Casablanca seemed more important than during the first day of events on a national scale, Feb. 20, according to local journalists. "Movement of 20 February" had kept his slogan of protest, despite the promise of reforms launched March 9 by King Mohammed VI in a speech hailed by many countries including the United States and France.
The Moroccan king has announced a series of important measures: establishment of a commission to revise the Constitution, judicial independence, separation of powers and strengthening the powers of the Prime Minister, apparently initiate a move towards a parliamentary monarchy. The protesters, however, wanted to keep the pressure on authorities.
"Movement of 20 February" had also decided to maintain its slogan to protest against the use of force to disperse a demonstration last Sunday in Casablanca.
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