Thousands of medical and pharmacy students protested in Rabat today against a crisis they say has escalated with recent judicial prosecutions of their peers.
The students called for the dismissal of Minister Abdel Latif Miraoui, whom they hold responsible for the situation.
The “Doctors of Tomorrow” staged a national strike, prominently displaying a flag that read “7 years” in front of Parliament.
Students insist that recent measures by the ministry aim to undermine ongoing mediation efforts, stating that “the temptations of exceptional sessions are insufficient to entice students to give up the seven-year demand.”
With slogans like “We are not heroes; we are forced to act.” They highlighted the strong support they’ve received from various Moroccan organizations, affirming the legitimacy of their demands for quality medical training.
Bilal Rabai, a member of the National Committee of Medical and Pharmacy Students in Oujda, described the profound anger among students following violent crackdowns during protests on September 25 and 26.
Students are “tired of taking to the streets to raise the same slogans” and eager to return to their education, which they feel is increasingly out of reach without intervention from responsible parties, he said.
Younes Maghfour, a student from Agadir, characterized the gathering as an uprising against the aggression faced by medical students and pointed out the legal repercussions many are facing, including charges of disobedience, despite their peaceful and authorized protests.
Maghfour expressed frustration over the latest developments, particularly Minister Miraoui’s unexpected announcement of new measures that contradicted previous threats against strikers. He stated, “What fueled the anger was the latest development in the crisis this week,” emphasizing the disconnect between the minister’s actions and student demands.
Narjis Hilali, also a committee member, condemned the ministry’s repressive tactics despite the students’ legitimate demands. “This national strike is an expression by the students of their desire to resolve this issue as soon as possible,” she said.
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