Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation after criticizing the government’s response to the 2023 El Haouz earthquake. His group campaigned for improved aid and reconstruction for affected families. While he faces legal challenges, the government has begun reconstruction efforts in the devastated region.
On Monday, Moroccan activist Said Ait Mahdi was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation following his criticisms of the government’s handling of the 2023 El Haouz earthquake. Ait Mahdi, who leads a victims’ advocacy group, has been detained since December 23 and faced accusations of defamation, insult, and the publication of false allegations that allegedly infringed upon privacy. While three other group members faced similar charges, the Marrakesh Court acquitted them, while Ait Mahdi was ordered to pay 10,000 dirhams (approximately $1,000) to each complainant. His legal team has indicated plans to appeal the ruling.
The defamation charges arose from complaints by local officials, who claimed that Ait Mahdi’s social media posts included offensive statements. This legal action follows a devastating earthquake that struck El Haouz province in September 2023, causing nearly 3,000 fatalities, injuring 5,600 individuals, and destroying approximately 60,000 homes in the region. Families impacted by the disaster were left to endure the harsh winter conditions while living in tents. Ait Mahdi’s advocacy group has been actively campaigning for expedited reconstruction efforts and enhanced support for affected communities.
In response to the devastation, Moroccan authorities have reported the issuance of 57,000 reconstruction permits and that over 35,000 homes have either been rebuilt or are under construction. Furthermore, the government has committed $11 billion to a comprehensive five-year reconstruction and development initiative aimed at addressing the needs of the six provinces impacted by the earthquake.
The El Haouz earthquake, which measured 6.8 in magnitude, struck in September 2023, representing one of Morocco’s most severe natural disasters in recent history. The earthquake’s devastation not only resulted in significant loss of life and property but also exposed the challenges and inadequacies in the response of local authorities. The incident prompted community leaders, including activists like Said Ait Mahdi, to call for more responsive government action and better aid for affected individuals. The legal repercussions faced by Ait Mahdi highlight the complex relationship between civil activism and governmental authority in Morocco, particularly post-disaster.
The sentencing of Said Ait Mahdi underscores the tense dynamics between government authorities and civil activists in Morocco, particularly in light of the catastrophic El Haouz earthquake. While the government has made steps towards reconstruction, the imprisonment of Ait Mahdi raises concerns regarding freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenting voices in the wake of crises. His planned appeal may further illuminate the ongoing struggle for accountability and transparency in Morocco’s recovery efforts.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
