Army patrols as Moroccans defy virus measures for prayers

RABAT: Groups of Moroccans went out to pray and to protest in the streets at the weekend, defying orders to stay at home to combat the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Images shared on social networks and broadcast by local media showed people chanting "God is greatest and only he can help us," in cities of Tangiers, Fez and Tetouan. Some spoke of the virus as a "divine test".

Mosques in Morocco are closed and religious authorities have told the faithful to pray at home. A public health state of emergency went into effect in the Muslim-majority country on Friday evening, and security forces and the army have been deployed on the streets. The military deployed armoured vehicles in the capital Rabat, an AFP journalist said, as well as in other cities, according to local media.

People have been ordered to stay at home, and restrictions on public transport and travel between cities are also in place. Images circulating on social media showed the sometimes heavy-handed arrest of those not abiding by orders. The DGSN security force said an individual had been arrested in Casablanca for selling movement permits, and a policeman in Marrakesh was under investigation on similar accusations.

Around 20 people have been arrested in recent days for spreading false information or calling for civil disobedience, the DGSN added. Morocco last week suspended all commercial international flights "until further notice", although special trips were authorised to repatriate stranded foreigners.