20111031
Press TV
Thousands of Moroccans have staged fresh anti-government protests in the capital Rabat and other cities, calling for an immediate release of political prisoners, Press TV reports.

The peaceful rallies were organized by the youth-led opposition February 20 Movement.

The protesters also slammed the government for banning the main opposition Justice and Development Party and called for boycotting what they have described as 'ridicules polls' scheduled for November 25.

The protest rallies were the latest in a series of regular peaceful demonstrations in which protesters have demanded a parliamentary monarchy and the punishment of officials charged with graft.

Some reports, meanwhile, say pro-government thugs have killed leading anti-regime activist Kamal al-Hassani, who was the secretary general of the National Assembly for Unemployed Graduates in Hoceima province.

On October 23, thousands of Moroccans also poured onto streets across the North African country, calling for a boycott of parliamentary polls next month.

Inspired by the revolutions in the Arab world, protest rallies have continued despite superficial reforms introduced by the US-backed Moroccan King Mohammed VI.

The king announced the reforms in a bid to avert a major popular uprising in the North African country, similar to revolutions in regional states that led to the downfall of their ruling dictators.

Moroccans are calling for deep political reforms and immediate action against corruption and nepotism.