Workplace death leads to massive protests in Morocco

  • 07/11/2016
The death a week ago of Mouhcine Fikri has triggered the largest protests in the North African kingdom since 2011 (AAP)
The death a week ago of Mouhcine Fikri has triggered the largest protests in the North African kingdom since 2011 (AAP)

Around 2000 protesters have taken to the streets of Morocco's capital Rabat, in the latest in a week of rallies over a fish vendor crushed to death in a garbage compactor after a confrontation with police.

The death a week ago of Mouhcine Fikri has triggered the largest protests in the North African kingdom since 2011 when the February 20 movement organised demonstrations for reform inspired by the Arab Spring uprisings across the region.

Since he was crushed inside a garbage truck as he tried to retrieve fish the police confiscated from him, Fikri has become a symbol for protests against official abuses and the Makhzen, a term used to describe the royal establishment.

Moroccan authorities have charged 11 people, jailing eight, over the death of Fikri who was crushed in a garbage truck while trying to stop police from destroying 500 kilograms of swordfish they say he purchased illegally.

Reuters