Rif

Did a social movement ignited by a fishmonger's death empower Moroccans?

Mouhcine Fikri was crushed by a garbage truck a year ago as he tried to retrieve his fish confiscated by the police. His death triggered in Rif region a movement for accountability and social justice. Morocco's response? Crackdowns and arrests.

UAE steps up pressure on Qatar as it threatens more curbs

The United Arab Emirates said Qatar needs to make "iron-clad" commitments to change policies on funding militants but not to change "its regime." Meanwhile, Turkey looks to fast-track a law to send more troops to the Qatar base.

Morocco arrests activist leading northern protests

Tensions have been simmering since the death in October of a fishmonger who was crushed inside a garbage truck while trying to salvage his fish confiscated by police. The arrested Nasser Zefzafi is seen as being the leader behind the protests.