Morocco's assault on democracy

Nadir Bouhmouch reports on a crackdown on dissent in Morocco, two years after a movement for democracy was touched off during the Arab Spring.

IN THE past few weeks, Moroccan activists have reacted to a string of political arrests and other abuses with increased efforts in the #FreeKoulchi (meaning "Free every one&quot campaign.

In Casablanca, 11 young activists were arrested after an April anti-austerity rally where they chanted anti-monarchy slogans. On May 18, Moroccan hip-hop artist Mouad Belghouat (also known by his stage name "El-Haqed&quot was arrested not long after he released his third album Walou ("Nothing&quot , whose songs heavily criticized the regime.

Recently, a journalist in Kenitra was hospitalized and is in a coma after several weeks on hunger strike, while in Al-Hoceima an activist was tortured to death. Moroccan prisons now hold more than 300 political prisoners, including activists, journalists and artists.

Now, Moroccan activists have launched a call for solidarity in the United States. But why should Americans stand in solidarity?

More at http://socialistworker.org/2014/06/19/moroccos-assault-on-democracy .