Marking the International Workers' Day on 1 May 2007, groups of people were peacefully making a demonstration, walking in the streets while chanting anti-monarchy protest slogans such as "no more taboos, no more freedom".

Thami Khyati, Youssef Reggab, Oussama Ben Messaoud, Ahmed Al Kaateb and Rabii Raïssouni were arrested in the city of Ksar El Kebir, while Mehdi Berbouchi and Abderrahim Karrad were arrested in the city of Agadir, accused of "undermining the monarchy". In July and August, the Morrocon court sentenced them to between two and four years in jail, as well as fines of 10,000 Dirhams (1,300 US dollars), reports Amnesty International.

Following a sit-in in solidarity with the seven men, 10 further members were arrested in June in Beni Mellal and charged with the same offence. One of them was sentenced to three years in prison, while the other nine were given a year in jail but remain free pending appeal.

Amnesty International is asking you to appeal to the Moroccan authorities for their release: Write a letter to the Moroccan Minister of Justice, and demand him to immediately and unconditionally release the eight prisoners of conscience.

Send appeals to:
His Excellency Mohamed Bouzoubâa, Minister of Justice
Ministry of Justice
Place Mamounia Rabat, Morocco
Fax: +212 37 72 37 10

For more details, see:
web.amnesty.org/appeals/index/mar-010907-wwa-eng