Hassan II of Morocco

Hassan II became King of Morocco upon the death of his father, Mohammed V. He inherited a newly independent country and quickly consolidated power, establishing an authoritarian monarchy that would rule for decades.

Hassan II's regime engaged in widespread human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and forced disappearances of political opponents. This period, known as the Years of Lead, lasted for decades and suppressed dissent.

Hassan II survived a coup attempt by military officers during his birthday party at the Skhirat palace. A second attempt occurred in 1972 when rebel air force pilots attacked his plane. Both failed, and he subsequently purged the military.

Hassan II organized the Green March, a mass demonstration of 350,000 unarmed Moroccans who marched into the Spanish-controlled Western Sahara. This forced Spain to negotiate, leading to Morocco's annexation of the territory.

Under pressure from domestic and international criticism, Hassan II initiated limited constitutional reforms. These included expanding the powers of parliament and improving human rights, though the monarchy retained ultimate authority.