Morocco protests: Activist Nasser Zefzafi arrested

Image copyright AFP Image caption Nasser Zefzafi was arrested on Monday after three days on the run

Moroccan police say they have detained a leading activist responsible for organising months of protests against corruption and unemployment.

Nasser Zefzafi will be tried for "threatening national security", prosecutors say.

Morocco has been gripped by protests since October, following the death of a fishmonger in the town of al-Hoceima.

On Sunday, demonstrations were reported in the capital Rabat, as well as Nador, Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh.

Demonstrators in al-Hoceima expressed support for Mr Zefzafi, chanting "the state is corrupt" and "we are all Zefzafi", AFP news agency reported.

More than 20 activists were arrested over the weekend following clashes between protesters and the police.

Image copyright AFP Image caption Protesters in al-Hoceima have been chanting slogans against corruption and unemployment

Prosecutors ordered Mr Zefzafi's arrest on Friday, following allegations that he had interrupted a prayer ceremony at a mosque in al-Hoceima.

He had "obstructed, in the company of a group of individuals, freedom of worship" at the mosque, prosecutors said.

Mr Zefzafi's supporters clashed with police as he went into hiding, reports said, before he was detained on Monday.

Image copyright AFP Image caption There is a strong security force presence in al-Hoceima

The protests were triggered by the death of fishmonger Mouhcine Fikri, who was crushed to death by a rubbish truck as he tried to rescue fish confiscated by the police.

Thousands of protesters took to the streets, accusing the authorities of abuse and injustice.

His death drew parallels to that of a Tunisian fruit seller in 2010 which helped spark the Arab Spring uprisings.

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Analysis by Mohamed el-Aassar, BBC Monitoring

Footage of Mr Fikri's death was widely shared on social media, triggering the rise of Mr Zefzafi's Popular Mobilisation movement - which champions the demands of people from the northern Rif area.

The protests quickly gained momentum in the restive northern region, which has always been wary of the central government.

The Rif has seen several revolts against the central administration at different times in history. The region has challenged Spain, France and the Moroccan crown in the past.

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from BBC News - World http://ift.tt/2rOeQiX