RABAT, Morocco, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- The revolt sweeping the Arab world has had a faint echo in Morocco, where the king is popular, observers say.
More than 10,000 protesters rallied across the country Sunday, demanding more democracy, lower food prices, freedom for political prisoners, rights for Berbers and other causes, The New York Times reported.
Rabat, the capital, and Casablanca, the largest city, had 3,000 to 5,000 protesters, with smaller rallies in Marrakesh, Tangier and elsewhere.
All were peaceful, except for a few attacks on property.
King Mohammed VI rules with a lighter hand than his father, Hassan II, and is widely seen as a reformer and advocate for the poor.
As in Jordan, protesters are calling for reform of the monarchy rather than its overthrow. One sign said: "Democratic Constitution = Parliamentary Monarchy."
Imane Safi, 18, demonstrating in Casablanca, said, "The Arab world is changing and the Moroccan people need a change in the Constitution for more democracy. We want a country like Britain, with a constitutional monarchy and a strong Parliament that is not corrupt."
A royal adviser said the unrest offered an opportunity to speed reforms pushed by the king.
