Deaths on July 23

Hassan II of Morocco (b. 1929)

Hassan II (Arabic: الحسن الثاني, romanized: al-Ḥasan aṯ-ṯānī; 9 July 1929 – 23 July 1999) was the King of Morocco from 1961 until his death in 1999. He was a member of the 'Alawi dynasty, who has been ruling Morocco since the mid 17th century and claim direct descent from the Prophet Muhammad. He was the eldest son of Sultan Mohammed V, and his second wife, Lalla Abla bint Tahar. He was the first commander-in-chief of the Royal Armed Forces and was named crown prince in 1957. He was enthroned as king in 1961 following his father's death. Hassan's reign was marked by the start of the Western Sahara conflict and the Sand War, he was also the target of two failed coup d'états. Hassan's conservative rule reportedly strengthened the 'Alawi dynasty's rule over Morocco. He was accused of authoritarian practices and civil rights abuses, particularly during the Years of Lead. A truth commission was set up after his death to investigate allegations of human rights violations during his reign.