Morocco marks Independence Manifesto anniversary

The Moroccan people celebrate this Tuesday the 56th anniversary of the Independence Manifesto, drafted by leading Moroccan figures to claim the country's independence.

On this day 56 years ago, some 66 Moroccan figures presented to the late King Mohammed V and to the colonial authorities a petition calling for Morocco's independence.

The manifesto clearly stated that the Late King Mohammed V was the sole representative of the nation, who is entitled to draft a constitution, recognizing the rights of the citizens part of a regime, founded on the principles of Islam.

Following the manifesto, the colonial powers attempted to abort the nationalist project.

The French occupiers refused to change the protectorate treaty and started to arrest the leaders of the nationalist movement.

The French moves escalated the situation, and several uprisings broke out throughout Morocco. The clashes claimed the lives of hundreds of Moroccans, but the nation vowed to continue confrontation and resistance until independence, which was snatched in 1956.