20110408
reuters

MARRAKESH, Morocco (Reuters) - Thousands of protesters marched in Morocco on Sunday to demand reform in the Arab world's longest-serving dynasty and to oppose militant violence after a deadly bomb attack.

The rally in Marrakesh is the latest in a series organised by the February 20 youth movement and presents a challenge to the government of King Mohammed, which is wary that the protests could build into an Egypt-style revolt.

The march began at the Bab Doukkala gate and will go past a cafe where 17 people including eight French nationals died in a bomb attack on April 28. Authorities last week arrested three suspects and said the ringleader is loyal to al-Qaeda.

The group's north African wing, Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, said on Saturday it was not responsible for the bombing that raised tension in Morocco, in part because it was the first such attack since 2003.

A government official put the number of marchers at up to 3,000 but independent reports estimated around 8,000 took part.

Protesters held signs with slogans such as: "We are for freedom and security; We oppose terrorism and intimidation." Other banners voiced opposition to corruption.

"This sort of protest must happen every day so that our country moves forward in fighting corruption," said car mechanic Abdelali Hamra, 44, as he watched the march.

"We suffer a lack of opportunities and jobs. The police must also treat us as equals," Hamra told Reuters.