Stormy popular protests broke in Midelt, a Moroccan city that is seldom mentioned in the world of politics. The protestors were neither calling for political or economic reforms, nor did they have any specific social requests. They were protesting against the insult to a poor worker who was forced by some judge to kiss his feet in return of halting the lawsuit against him in a passing conflict. The people of the city lying between the mountains and deserts of the east-central region woke up to a fascinating image. People by nature accept sickness and poverty. However, they reject injustice, since it is related to a provocation of their sentiments and insults their dignity. The story of the poor mechanic leapt to the front and became a public matter, especially that the man who forced him to kiss his feet was a judge who is supposed to abide by his conscience and by the law, which prohibits slavery, coercion and blind obedience to anyone but God. Although the incident is about to be settled in court, in light of the testimonies and proofs provided by both parties, the Street issued its verdict. This would not have been the case were it not for the fears concerning the possible sealing of this matter. The awareness that exploded in the street was larger than any attempt at containing the situation. Indeed, the people were not only expressing their rejection of the actions of the man involved in that incident; they were also supporting the values of freedom and equality and rejecting the ill use of power, as well as the misuse of some posts to act in a superior manner. Widespread protests, which have now become a democratic tradition, where people express their demands and call for justice, feature now demonstrations by unemployed college graduates. There were also protests about the increasing prices; or calls for equality between the two sexes; or protests expressing solidarity with the detainees. However, this is the first time when people have gone this far to protest against an insult to human dignity, which is reflective of the extent of popular awareness. Some events and developments may force the people to modify their habits, ideas, and relations with their near and not-so-near surroundings. However, nothing can force these people to let go of their dignity. Dignity is a crown that is only seen by those who suffer from tyranny and subjugation. This is the only matter that is not subject to controversy. This was not a protest against the hegemony of some economic or commercial interests. This was rather a protest against some actions stemming from erroneous ideas on the relationship between the citizens and the Authority, be it judiciary, legislative or the executive. These wrong ideas and actions revoke a man's essence, which is connected to the dignity and honor. This in turn results in revoking this man's rights and human value. It is only normal for the feelings of dismay to grow in the face of these actions that insult a man's dignity. One of the reasons for this kind of ill actions is that some civil servants believe that being far form big cities, and the capital in particular allows them to do anything. It is not important if this incident was an individual one or not. Prior to it, there was the incident of a maid who was being tortured by a judge and his wife. Years ago, a small town in the Middle Atlas witnessed the incident of an official who shaved the hair of two women. Every time, these actions were met with rejection and condemnation. Yet, this is beyond some personal incidents as it rather concerns the practices of people who are still dreaming about the era of slavery. The Moroccan government had to expand its campaigns to encourage people to denounce bribery. It even took some measures to make sure that people who do come forward to denounce bribery are not accused of being part of it. There is a need for larger campaigns in order to warn people in responsibility posts that the dignity of the citizens is above anything else and that the real social justice must start from the people's feeling that they are all equal in front of the law. As this interesting issue coincides with the process of the dialogue on reforming the judiciary system, this must constitute an incentive to tend to the values that must be observed when it comes to the people's relation with the judiciary system, the latter being people's last resort when seeking justice. What came to be known as the Arab Spring has tried to overthrow the tyrannical regimes and is still attempting to achieve democracy and social justice, as well as fighting marginalization and power monopolization. But most importantly, this spring must change the mentalities with the lingering erroneous and outdated ideas of the people who believe that, because of their posts, they have the right to impose their whims on the others. This is an educational matter with bilateral dimensions. Indeed, any change that does not lead to changing the mentalities is a lagging change. Otherwise, how can any official – regardless of his hierarchal rank in the administrative system – think that he can force a simple employee to kiss his feet to acquit him? No settlement may be reached in this kind of matters outside the judiciary. However, the breaking of the massive popular protests indicates that the judiciary must side by the weak ones as these are only calling for shielding their dignity against the insults. Has the message reached its destination?
