Attack on Government Officials: Is Morocco's Street Facing Imminent Unrest?

Morocco has recently been rocked by a series of disturbing incidents, including physical assaults on security forces and Ministry of Interior officials, with citizens openly clashing with the state’s representatives. 

These events have raised serious concerns, as there are growing fears of retaliatory actions from the authorities, determined to assert their dominance and preserve their authority.

Commentators have warned against overlooking the underlying causes of the current situation, particularly the social unrest exacerbated by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch's government.

These warnings come in the wake of a decision by the public prosecutor’s office in Rabat to issue an arrest warrant for a woman who slapped an administrative official in the city of Temara. The incident, which has sparked widespread attention, also saw the arrest of her companions, all of whom were subsequently remanded in custody at the al Arjat prison.

This episode serves as a stark reminder of the mounting tensions on the ground, where frustration with the government’s handling of economic and social issues continues to grow.

Public Assaults

According to Anfas Press, on March 24, 2025, the accused was referred to court on charges of assaulting a public official while he was performing his duties. 

The incident, which occurred following a dispute over the confiscation of goods belonging to one of her relatives, saw the woman slap the local official.

In media statements, lawyer Abderrahmane el Baqouri confirmed that both the young woman and her companions face the possibility of being convicted for crimes of violence and assault against public employees in the course of their duties, with premeditation and intent. 

Under Article 267, paragraph 2 of the Penal Code, such offenses carry a prison sentence ranging from two to five years.

"This is in addition to the charge of insurrection outlined in Article 301 of the Penal Code, as well as potential charges of defamation and slander, should they be applicable, and the criminal offense of public libel under Articles 447-bis," el Baqouri added.

Meanwhile, a police officer was subjected to a violent attack with a weapon to the neck by the son of an informal street vendor in the city of Ksar el Kebir on Sunday, March 24, 2025. 

The assault occurred while public authorities were carrying out an operation to reclaim public land in the city.

In a separate development, the public prosecutor at the Court of First Instance in el Jadida ordered the detention of a tricycle driver, known locally as a tuk-tuk driver, under judicial supervision following an assault on the head of the local administrative division. 

The driver dragged the official for over 20 meters in front of the administrative office.

According to Hiba Press, on March 24, 2025, the official had attempted to prevent the driver from dumping garbage in the street. 

However, the driver refused to comply and decided to flee the scene, prompting the official to pursue him. In the ensuing altercation, the official was dragged through the street, sustaining injuries described as severe.

In another incident, Rue20 reported on March 26, 2025, that the head of the Sidi Moussa Ben Ali district in Mohammedia was assaulted on Tuesday, March 25, leaving him with a fractured hand.

The report stated that the assailant had been in the process of constructing an illegal building, prompting the district official to carry out multiple demolition attempts. 

The perpetrator, angered by these actions, engaged in a heated argument with the official, which ultimately led to the assault and the official being rushed to the emergency room.

The northern city of Tetouan also witnessed a similar attack on a district official by a doctor, who was sentenced in October 2024 to three months in prison, with the sentence to be served in full.

According to previous statements by Minister of the Interior Abdelouafi Laftit, the role of a public official, which is primarily focused on enforcing the law, places them in direct contact with those who violate the law and with individuals who seek to exploit citizens for purposes unrelated to the public good. 

This, he argued, makes them targets of actions that undermine both their personal integrity and their official duties.

Laftit emphasized that the Ministry of the Interior rejects any unwarranted attacks on security officers and their staff, as well as attempts to tarnish the authority of the state. 

At the same time, the ministry calls on public officials to uphold the state's prestige by avoiding practices that could compromise the credibility of institutions or cast doubt on their effectiveness.

Social Tension

Political activist and media figure Hassan Hammourou affirmed that any attack on public officials and all those responsible for enforcing the law is a criminal act, wholly rejected and unacceptable, and cannot be justified.

In an interview with Al-Estiklal, Hammourou added, "Even if the actions of some public officials are suspected of abuse of power, addressing this issue should never involve breaking the law or resorting to illegal acts of aggression."

Hammourou argued that the growing frequency of attacks on public officials is approaching a level of phenomenon that must be addressed, with a thorough examination of the underlying causes that may explain such behavior.

"There is a social tension that is impossible to ignore, and if left unaddressed, it will undoubtedly encourage lawlessness under the guise of defending rights and confronting abuse of power," he continued.

"The primary responsibility for this tension lies with the government."

"This is evident both in its decisions and actions, which fail to deliver the desired outcomes, as well as in the lack of communication with the public, leaving them without hope or reassurance," he added.

"This should also involve guiding officials who have direct interactions with citizens to be mindful of the difficult social conditions and to approach their duties with a spirit of the law and the necessary flexibility."

Hammourou cautioned that the government's clear failure, particularly in the social and communicative spheres, is costly and must be addressed with urgency.

"This includes the ongoing reports of ministers allegedly being involved in abuse of power, conflicts of interest, and the mismanagement of public funds, through measures that have primarily benefited lobby groups linked to government parties, particularly the party of its leader, without having any tangible impact on the daily lives of citizens," he noted.

Hammourou pointed out that addressing this phenomenon requires a collective effort, with public media playing its role in raising awareness and urging everyone to respect the law.

"This should also be reinforced through Friday sermons, reminding citizens of the values, principles, and ethics of Islam in their interactions within society, particularly to compensate for the government's failure and the void it leaves in this area," he suggested.

State Dignity

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights and Anti-Corruption has written to both the President of the Court of First Instance and the Public Prosecutor in Temara, regarding an assault on the head of the seventh administrative division in the city. 

The attack took place in front of citizens, "in a blatant defiance of the law and the dignity of state institutions."

In a letter dated March 24, 2025, the organization sounded the alarm on the growing threat to the authority of state institutions, attributing it to "unacceptable actions by individuals operating outside the law," as it put it.

The organization called for "the restoration of dignity to the official, as well as for ensuring and reinforcing the preservation of the Moroccan state's authority and the rights of the citizens who witnessed this heinous act."

"Such unacceptable actions are entirely rejected, as they represent an affront to the dignity of state officials who sacrifice greatly in service to the nation and its citizens."

However, the presentation of a medical certificate by the aforementioned official, indicating a 30-day incapacity, has sparked criticism among some observers. Many questioned how a single slap from a woman could justify a full month of physical incapacity.

In this regard, university professor and human rights activist Latifa el-Bouhsini remarked that the purpose of the duration specified in the certificate was to restore the authority of the state, put an end to disorder, and address the rising violence directed at public officials and their staff.

"However, my greatest concern is that this decision could weaken this authority," el-Bouhsini told Al-Estiklal.

"Dignity is not synonymous with tyranny, and it never has been. True dignity is earned when the state successfully instills respect for the law in people's hearts and makes a concerted effort to uphold the spirit of the law, grounded in and consistent with justice." 

"There can be no true dignity and no lasting authority without the rule of justice," el-Bouhsini concluded.

Authority Erosion

Journalist Yassine el Meslouhi argued that the recent wave of attacks in the country has brought the issue of both physical and emotional assaults on public servants, particularly law enforcement officers, back into the forefront of social discourse.

In an article published on Akhbarona on March 27, 2025, el Meslouhi pointed to one of the underlying causes of this situation: the social tension that may be fueled by the abuse of power by certain public officials, or their overstepping of the authority entrusted to them in rare, exceptional circumstances. 

This, he suggested, leads to public resistance, an uprising against authority as a whole, and a sense of defiance.

"This situation may also stem from an overemphasis on the belief in rights, where citizens are perceived as above reproach, with the assumption that they are always in the right when facing authority, whether as oppressors or victims. This is especially true in light of the arbitrary support and false advocacy some receive from rights activists or journalists."

"One of the lingering effects of cultural colonialism that has been instilled in society is the sowing of division and discord between ordinary citizens and those in positions of authority. This was perpetuated by the careful selection of individuals for leadership roles during the protectorate, who were characterized by their subservience, prioritization of personal gain, and willingness to do anything to maintain their privileges and proximity to the colonizer."

"This stereotypical view has persisted among many Moroccans, who have passed it on as an absolute judgment on public officials, notables, and anyone who differs from them in social class, perceiving them as an adversary, if not an enemy."

"There must be a widespread culture of the rule of law, where rights and freedoms are exercised responsibly. While citizens have the right to protest against a decision or the actions of an authority, this must be done without exceeding the bounds of that right to the point of resorting to aggression against others."

The Moroccan News Agency stated in an editorial on March 24, 2025, that these attacks "raise troubling questions about the limits of respect for the authority of the state and the importance of upholding the esteem of official institutions in society."

The article noted that the assault revealed a "culture of disregard for the law" that is spreading among certain segments of society, where state representatives are not seen as protectors of justice and order, but rather as adversaries to be defeated.

He argued that the assault turned the street into an open stage for a "farce of violence," highlighting the contempt a segment of society has for all that represents authority and order—an intentional act that mocks the values of respect and the foundation of cooperation between citizens and the state.

He emphasized that the swift response from the public prosecutor in addressing the assault serves as a strong message that the law will take its course without leniency.

He concluded by noting that this rapid intervention underscores the commitment to justice, reinforcing that there will be no tolerance for those who undermine state institutions and subject their respect to chaos and disorder.

Government Failure

In its analysis of the rising incidents of violence against public officials, Ministry of Interior agents, and security forces, Achtari 24 (What Happened?) on March 28 highlighted two key factors driving this trend. The first, it argued, is the government's approach towards its citizens, while the second is the influence exerted by social media platforms.

The website further explained in an analytical article that the government is fully aware of Morocco's economic and social crisis, acknowledging that a large segment of the population relies on unregulated professions.

He added that this issue could have been addressed through the introduction of self-employment schemes, integrating everyone into the tax system, rather than depriving many families of their source of income without offering a suitable alternative.

"There will be no solution unless an economic model is presented that can accommodate Moroccans from all walks of life, while taking into account the educational and vocational capacities of a significant portion of the population."

The website warned that the government is fully aware that around five million Moroccans, aged between 15 and 34, are neither in school, nor in vocational training, nor part of the workforce.

"As a result, the government is primarily responsible for the growth of marginal trades, which can only thrive in the streets. Additionally, the purchasing power of citizens, weakened by government policies, pushes them to buy goods available on the streets due to their lower cost," the website continued.

Regarding social media, the same source described it as "another disaster that has befallen Moroccans," pointing to the government's role in this issue. 

"It is the government that works to undermine serious journalism while promoting mediocrity and supporting trivial websites," it noted.

"We know that we cannot eliminate mediocrity in the media or on social media, and it won’t happen in any way. However, to ensure that the voice of truth is heard, credible media must be encouraged, even if it is limited in number," the website added.

It concluded by stating that the government places public officials in direct conflict with citizens, emphasizing that "this poses a danger to all institutions."