Protester assaults firefighter, throws him off water tower in Morocco

Saturday 12 July 2025 - 10:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Protester assaults firefighter, throws him off water tower in Morocco

A protest in the town of Oulad Youssef, near Beni Mellal in Morocco, turned violent on Friday evening when a man attacked a firefighter and pushed him off a high water tower during a crisis intervention. The incident has sparked widespread shock and raised concerns across the region.

The protester, reportedly a man in his 40s, had been stationed atop the water tower for over 10 days, demanding a renewed investigation into his father’s death, which he believes to have been a murder rather than an accident. Local sources described the man as showing signs of psychological distress and stated that repeated attempts to mediate had failed.

Eyewitnesses reported that a firefighter climbed the tower on Friday evening to de-escalate the situation and persuade the man to descend. However, the situation quickly escalated as the protester attacked the firefighter with a stick, striking him on the head and arm, before pushing him off the tower.

"He just threw him. It was terrifying to watch," said a resident who witnessed the incident.

The firefighter fell from a significant height and was immediately transferred to a private clinic in Beni Mellal. He is currently under medical supervision, suffering from a skull fracture and broken bones in his arm.

Following the attack, the protester attempted to take his own life by tying a rope around his neck and jumping off the tower. Emergency services transported him to the hospital in critical condition, and as of late Friday night, his survival remained uncertain.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, with videos and photos circulating on social media. Many users expressed disbelief and concern for both the victim and the broader implications of such violence.

Security forces, including the Royal Gendarmerie and local authorities, were dispatched to the scene to maintain order and prevent further unrest. An investigation into the events is currently underway.