French authorities ban protest against Moroccan regime

French authorities have banned a planned demonstration today in front of the castle belonging to the King of Morocco, Mohammed VI, in Betz, a small village north-east of Paris.

Mohamed VI, king of Morocco Reuters

The protest called on all Moroccans, regardless of political or religious leanings, to denounce “all injustices and indignities” committed by the current political regime in Morocco, which the protest organisers have labeled a "dictatorship". The demonstration is set to begin today and to end on Friday 2 November, according to a communiqué.

“The chief has banned the protests as a preventative measure” confirmed the Oise police department.

“He believes that this area, in conjunction with what was planned for the demonstration and with protesters wanting to camp day and night, that it would only lead to incidents of public disorder. This would go against the purpose of the protest.”

Police have already created a security zone around the castle.

Regardless of the ban, the Facebook page is still calling for “the mobilisation” of protestors, but it will decrease the length of the campsites to just two days.

The protest is expected to take place today at noon.

Last Tuesday, a United Nations special rapporteur did confirm that Morocco has indeed been using torture against those involved in the Western Sahara dispute.