RABAT, May 29 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of Moroccans protested late on Sunday in several cities in support of over 20 demonstrators who were arrested Saturday in the northeastern part of the country.

Moroccan authorities announced on Saturday the arrest of some 20 people after violent clashes between protesters and police in the northeastern city of Al Hoceima for "the incitement and participation of committing crimes that affect the public order," the Public Prosecutor of the city Court of Appeal said in a statement.

Local media reported that Saturday's clashes between demonstrators and police injured several people, including three members of the security forces who were seriously hurt.

Clashes erupted in Al-Hoceima after authorities sought to arrest a well-known activists, including the protest leader Nasser Zezafi, who interrupted a Friday prayer sermon, the same source added.

The detainees were arrested for "the incitement and participation of committing crimes that affect the public order," the Public Prosecutor of the City Court of Appeal said in a statement on Saturday.

The detainees were also accused of receiving "remittances and logistical support from abroad to promote a propaganda targeting the integrity of Morocco and shake the loyalty of the Moroccan citizens to the state and the institutions, as well as offending the emblems of the kingdom in the public gatherings."

The situation in the city of Al Hoceima has been tense since the death of the fish vendor Mouhcine Fikri in October after climbing into a rubbish lorry to retrieve his swordfish confiscated by police. Enditem

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