YOUTH-LED demonstrators in Morocco took to the streets on Thursday for a sixth straight night despite fears of more violence after police killed three people the previous night.

The protesters in at least a dozen cities, including Casablanca, are demanding better schools and hospitals, with some calling for Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to resign.

The resignation calls came after police killed three people on Wednesday as largely peaceful protests turned into riots, with banks looted and cars set ablaze.

Though Morocco’s king is the country’s highest authority, protests in Morocco routinely focus on the government charged with carrying out his agenda. 

On Thursday, hundreds chanted for King Mohammed VI to intervene against the government. Crowds shouted “The people want to topple Akhannouch” and “Government out!” as demonstrations unfolded peacefully.

In his first public remarks, Mr Akhannouch said on Thursday that he was mourning Wednesday’s deaths. 

He praised law enforcement for its efforts to maintain order and indicated that the government was prepared to respond favourably to the protesters, without detailing reforms under discussion.

“The approach based on dialogue is the only way to deal with the various problems faced by our country,” Mr Akhannouch said.

The pledge for new efforts to address the protests came a day after security forces opened fire at demonstrators, killing three people in Leqliaa, a small town outside the coastal city of Agadir. 

Morocco’s Interior Ministry claimed the three were shot and killed during an attempt to seize police weapons.