Introduction
In early 2026, Morocco’s political environment was increasingly influenced by preparations for the parliamentary elections set for 23rd September 2026. The announcement of the election date prompted political parties to start positioning themselves, with early manoeuvreing for candidate nominations and strategic campaigning already under way. Opposition groups and members of the Moroccan diaspora voiced concerns about participation and consultation, signalling active debate and contestation ahead of the official campaign period.
RNN: Security forces in Tangier, Morocco, suppressed a popular protest against the American-"israeli" attack on Iran. pic.twitter.com/cCvitrQMjx
— الأخ الكبير (@BIG__Brother7) March 1, 2026
Peaceful Assembly
Moroccan authorities prevented planned peaceful demonstrations in support of Palestine and Iran. On 28th February 2026, security forces disrupted and blocked organisers’ efforts to hold solidarity vigils in major cities including Rabat and Tangier. Activists said the events were intended to express public support for civilians affected by conflicts in the Middle East, but officials did not authorise the gatherings and stopped participants from assembling. A few days later, in the city of Tétouan on 3rd March, security forces also intervened to stop a planned protest called to show solidarity with Iran and condemn recent regional military actions, breaking up the small group of demonstrators and pursuing some participants into nearby streets before later releasing them.
Separately, authorities embarked on a retaliation campaign against young people linked to the GenZ 212 protest movement, which had organised large demonstrations in late 2025, as previously documented on the Monitor.
Between 1st and 15th February 2026, a series of arrests and prosecutions targeted activists in several cities, including Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Tiznit, with individuals summoned for questioning, detained, or charged in connection with their participation in protests or with their online expression. For example, Mohammed Khalif was arrested in Casablanca on 17th February 2026 and prosecuted on charges of “insulting sacred values” in relation to social media content shared during the 2025 protests.
This retaliation has also extended to actions outside of Morocco’s borders. On 12th February 2026, authorities arrested activist and member of the GenZ 212 movement, Zineb El Kharroubi, at Marrakesh Menara Airport shortly after she returned from France, where she is based. The arrest was reportedly linked to her online posts and political commentary during the GenZ 212 protests while in Paris, after a complaint was filed against her by a citizen, alleging ‘defamation and insult’.
Expression
Efforts to reform the National Press Council continue to raise serious freedom of expression concerns. After the Constitutional Court struck down parts of Draft Law 26.25 in January 2026 as previously documented, on 19th February 2026, the government introduced Draft Law 09.26, which rights groups argue still allows political influence over the council, lacks transparent journalist participation, and grants powers that could suspend publications without adequate oversight.
The revised draft essentially resets the legislative process and largely preserves the overall scope of the earlier version. As with the initial draft, it was prepared without additional consultation with media stakeholders, and several provisions continue to raise concerns despite the Court’s decision. Article 19 has urged a thorough review of the law through a more inclusive and participatory process.
Previously, CSOs warned that the initial draft could limit freedom of expression, reduce media pluralism, and give the government excessive influence over the press.