Four activists advocating for 2023 earthquake victims in Morocco are facing court charges, including defamation. Said Ait Mahdi remains in custody while three others are free. The earthquake resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and extensive home damages, prompting criticism of government recovery efforts amid a substantial reconstruction plan.
On Monday, four activists who advocated for the victims of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco confronted legal challenges in a Marrakesh court. Their attorney, Mohamed Nouini, confirmed that Said Ait Mahdi, leader of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coordination, faced charges of defamation and other allegations. Ait Mahdi has been detained for a week, while three other activists, charged with insulting public officials, remain at liberty. These charges reportedly arose from social media posts deemed offensive by local authorities.
The catastrophic 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Al Haouz province in September 2023 resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and significant infrastructural damage, including the destruction of tens of thousands of residences. This devastating event has displaced numerous families, compelling them to endure harsh winter conditions outdoors. Ait Mahdi’s organization has been vocal in urging the government to expedite reconstruction efforts and enhance support for affected families.
In response to the disaster, the Moroccan government announced a comprehensive five-year rebuilding initiative projected to cost approximately $11.7 billion. As of early December, authorities revealed that around 57,000 reconstruction permits had been granted, and over 35,000 homes had either been completed or were in progress, providing hope for those impacted by the tragedy. Although financial allocations have been made to assist families in rebuilding, the activists’ calls for increased and accelerated support remain critical.
The 2023 earthquake in Morocco, particularly devastating to Al Haouz province, killed nearly 3,000 individuals and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, leading to a humanitarian crisis as many families were forced to live outside during the winter months. Following this disaster, Moroccan authorities initiated a significant reconstruction plan with a substantial budget aimed at restoring the affected communities. Nevertheless, some activists have criticized the government’s response and called for a more urgent implementation of support measures for the survivors.
In summary, four activists advocating for earthquake victims in Morocco are facing legal repercussions after challenging the government’s response to the disaster. The detention of Said Ait Mahdi underscores the tension between local authorities and those advocating for accountability and hastened reconstruction efforts. Although a substantial recovery initiative has begun, the voices of activists highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate assistance and transparency in the rebuilding process.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
