• The Local Committee of Solidarity with Political Detainee Noureddine al-Awaj has called for a protest in front of the Court of Appeal in Casablanca at 12:30 (local time) on October 18.  
• The protest is being organized under the slogan “freedom of expression is not a crime”. 
• This demonstration coincides with al-Awaj’s appeal process on charges of “insulting constitutional institutions”, “insulting organized bodies” and “inciting the commission of a felony”. al-Awaj was arrested in June 2021 soon after attending a protest in front of the Court of Appeal in Casablanca, demanding the release of journalist Suleiman Raissouni. 
• The Committee of Solidarity with Journalist Suleiman Raissouni and the Committee of Solidarity with Journalist Omar Radi have extended support to the demonstration. 

There has been significant domestic and international criticism for the arrests of Raissouni and Radi on perceived politically motivated charges as a result of their anti-government journalism. This sentiment was likely further strengthened by the arrest of al-Awaj in June following his participation in a protest demanding the release of Raissouni and Radi. FORECAST: Given the general tensions surrounding the arrest of political activists in Morocco, the slated protest is likely to garner a turnout in the mid to high dozens. Given the authorities’ known intolerance of, and efforts to crack down on anti-government activity, a relatively large presence of security forces may be anticipated at the protest locale. This is particularly given that it will be held in front of a government building. Due to the heightened tensions between the authorities and the protesters surrounding this issue, localized scuffles may be recorded during the event. 

Those operating or residing in Casablanca during the early afternoon hours of October 18 are advised to maintain heightened vigilance in the vicinity of the Court of Appeal due to the slated protest and the potential for localized unrest.