Hundreds of young Moroccans took to the streets in at least 11 cities across the North African nation, condemning corruption and criticizing authorities for pouring money into international sporting events while neglecting health and education.

Protesters drew a direct link between the country’s underfunded health care system and its massive investments in the lead-up to the 2030 FIFA World Cup, shouting slogans such as, “Stadiums are here, but where are the hospitals?” Morocco is building at least three new stadiums and renovating or expanding several others as it prepares to co-host the tournament. The country is also set to host the Africa Cup of Nations later this year. Police in plainclothes and riot gear disrupted demonstrations in multiple cities, including Rabat and Marrakech, and made arrests in Casablanca, an Associated Press reporter witnessed.

For more than a decade, protests in Morocco have often centered on regional inequalities and the government’s priorities in Rabat. This weekend’s nationwide rallies reflected widespread anger that has been simmering since earlier this year, including in areas still reeling from the deadly 2023 earthquake. Tensions spiked most recently after eight women died giving birth in a public hospital in Agadir, a major coastal city 300 miles south of the capital.

The Moroccan Association for Human Rights said dozens of protesters were arrested on Saturday, some of whom were physically assaulted. Several were released overnight, the group said, adding that the arrests “confirm the crackdown on free voices and restriction of the right to freedom of expression.” (CNN)