![A group of people hold banners during a demonstration against prison sentences for Rif Movement leader Nasser Zefzafi and members along with him, in front of the parliament building in Rabat, Morocco on 27 June, 2018 [Jalal Morchidi/Anadolu Agency]](https://i0.wp.com/www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/20180628_2_31180625_35139955-e1530353756647.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Thousands of Moroccans yesterday took part in mass protests in Casablanca calling for the release of Rif inhabitants and the development of rural areas in the northern part of the country.
On 26 June, the Court of Appeal of Casablanca issued prison sentences, ranging from one to 20 years, against a number of the leaders and protestors in the northern rural city of Al-Hoceima.
During the rally, protestors called for an amnesty for all detainees and chanted: “People demand the release of the detainees” and “People demand freedom of social justice”.
Demonstrators also waved banners condemning the Moroccan government’s ignorance of their demands.