Expression

Judicial proceedings and criminal prosecutions continue to be used in Morocco against opposition figures, journalists, and critical voices, raising concerns over a broader pattern of judicial harassment and restrictions on freedom of expression. In this context, Moroccan authorities continued legal proceedings against former Human Rights Minister and lawyer Mohamed Ziane after the Rabat Court of Appeal confirmed on 8 April 2026 a five-year prison sentence against him in a case related to the alleged embezzlement of public funds linked to the Moroccan Liberal Party. The ruling came after the Court of Cassation overturned an earlier appeal decision that had reduced his sentence to three years and ordered a retrial.

Similarly, criticism of public institutions and state policies in Morocco continued to face judicial sanctions in April 2026. On 30 April 2026, the Court of Appeal in Taza confirmed an eight-month prison sentence against Moroccan rapper and activist Souhaib Kabli over artistic works and online publications considered critical of public institutions as Souhaib Kabli was addressing corruption, public freedoms and Morocco’s normalization with Israel in his songs. 

Peaceful Assembly

Pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been a recurring and sustained form of public mobilisation in Morocco over recent years, reflecting ongoing solidarity with the Palestinian cause rather than an isolated wave of protest. On 11 April 2026, demonstrations took place in several Moroccan cities, including Rabat, Fes, and Tangier, where hundreds of people gathered to express solidarity with Palestinian detainees and to denounce threats against Islamic holy sites, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque. The protests were organised by civil society groups such as the National Action Group for Palestine and other solidarity networks. Participants condemned Israeli legislative decisions concerning Palestinian prisoners and called for their protection and release, while also rejecting perceived violations of religious sites. On 19 April in Rabat, this mobilisation continued with thousands of people demonstrating in support of the Palestinian cause, organised by political parties, unions, and civil society groups. The protest condemned Israeli actions in Gaza and a proposed Israeli law concerning the death penalty for Palestinians, reinforcing the same broader pattern of sustained solidarity-driven mobilisation.

In early April 2026, Moroccan adouls (Islamic notaries) announced an escalation of their protest movement by declaring a nationwide open-ended strike starting on 13 April 2026, in opposition to draft law No. 16.22 regulating their profession. The strike involves a complete suspension of notarial services across the country and follows several previous protest actions, including earlier nationwide strikes and symbolic demonstrations near Parliament.

On the occasion of International Workers’ Day on 1 May 2026, Morocco witnessed coordinated demonstrations organised by trade unions in several cities, including major urban centres such as Casablanca. Workers and union members mobilised to demand improvements in wages, pensions, working conditions, and social protection, amid growing concerns over the rising cost of living.