A Moroccan court has jailed an activist with the February 20 movement for taking part in anti-government protests held in the country last year.

On Tuesday, an appeals court sentenced Bashir Benshaib to 12 years in prison for attending a rally last March.

The charges brought against Benshaib include theft, blocking a road and aggression.

"We were very surprised by the severity of this revenge ruling, and by the use of the judiciary to punish young people asking for dignity," the Moroccan Association for Human Rights' (AMDH) Faisal Ousser said.

The AMDH accused the government of failing to respect human rights.

The 32-year-old activist has been detained since last march, when he was arrested for participating in a protest near Al-Hoceima in the country’s north.

Morocco has been facing serious economic troubles over the past few years, with high unemployment and rising levels of poverty.


Since last year, Moroccans have held numerous protests, demanding an end to corruption and the persecution of officials.
Press TV