(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - The police riding motorcycles drove into crowds of thousands of demonstrators in Casablanca to disperse protesters affiliated with the pro-reform February 20 movement and injured dozens on Sunday.
Protesters took to the streets despite a previous warning by the government imposing a ban on all demonstrations, Reuters reported.
In a separate incident in the city of Tangiers north of Morocco, the Moroccan police clubbed dozens of protesters that were part of the February 20 Movement.
"There was a lot of violence, and we are now calling a halt. This protest has again sent out our message demanding freedom," one of the organizers of the demonstration said.
Government spokesman Khalid Naciri said the Sunday protest was illegal. He said pro-government people have staged demonstrations in several cities, including Casablanca, to counter anti-government protests that have damaged the country's economy.
About an hour after protesters were scattered, a few dozens of teenage locals appeared on the streets in Sbata neighborhood in Casablanca and chanted slogans in support of King Mohammed.
Meanwhile, many demonstrators that took part in street rallies in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangiers and Agadir were injured by the club-wielding police last Sunday.
Since protests began in Morocco on February 20, people and activists have repeatedly staged protests to demand political and constitutional reforms, including limits to the powers of King Mohammed VI.
King Mohammad VI, who ascended to the throne in 1999, vowed in March to make amendments to the constitution to give more social rights to people. A draft constitution is scheduled to be announced in June.
/106