Two students and a printing shop owner in Morocco were arrested after having slogans printed on national football team jerseys reading “Free Palestine” and “Education and healthcare are a right for all.” Authorities accused them of spreading “provocative slogans,” though the messages were part of broader social and political demands championed by the GenZ 212 youth movement.

The arrests occurred amid ongoing nationwide protests led by GenZ 212, which has mobilised tens of thousands to demand reforms in education and healthcare, an end to corruption, and a truly independent judiciary. The movement, founded in late September, has quickly gained a substantial online following, counting over 200,000 members on Discord alone. While the protests are officially non-violent, clashes with security forces in recent weeks have resulted in three deaths, including a recent film graduate covering the events.

Despite Morocco’s public expressions of support for Palestine, activists have condemned the increasing repression of pro-Palestinian voices, including repeated arrests over the past two years. Human rights organisations, including MENA Rights Group and UN experts, have urged the Moroccan government to respect the principles of civil disobedience and international human rights law, highlighting that these young demonstrators are exercising legitimate protest rights. Meanwhile, King Mohammed VI has called for accelerated progress in social sectors, particularly education and healthcare, without directly addressing the protests, pledging a “stable path towards greater social and territorial justice.”