Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, has been sentenced to three months in prison for defamation regarding his comments on the government’s earthquake response. His advocacy group has called for more aid and faster recovery for those affected by the 2023 El Haouz earthquake. While other group members were acquitted, Ait Mahdi was ordered to pay damages and plans to appeal the decision.
On December 23, 2023, Said Ait Mahdi, a prominent activist advocating for victims of the El Haouz earthquake, was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation, as revealed by his legal team. Ait Mahdi, head of an advocacy group aimed at securing more immediate assistance for earthquake victims, was accused of “defamation, insult, and publishing false allegations intended to infringe on privacy.” While three associates faced similar charges, they were acquitted. Ait Mahdi was also ordered to pay 10,000 dirhams (approximately $1,000) in damages to each of the complainants, and he plans to appeal the decision.
In September 2023, a catastrophic 6.8 magnitude earthquake devastated El Haouz province in Morocco, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths, over 5,600 injuries, and extensive destruction of approximately 60,000 homes. Many affected families face severe hardships, enduring winters in temporary tents. In response, Ait Mahdi’s group has vigorously campaigned for accelerated reconstruction efforts and enhanced support for those affected by the disaster. The Moroccan government reported that by December, it had issued 57,000 reconstruction permits, with over 35,000 homes either constructed or under construction, and allocated $11 billion to a five-year recovery initiative for the impacted regions.
In conclusion, the case of Said Ait Mahdi illustrates the challenges faced by activists in Morocco who seek to hold their government accountable in the aftermath of natural disasters. Despite significant reconstruction efforts by the authorities, the imprisonment of Ait Mahdi raises concerns about free speech and the treatment of dissenting voices. Ait Mahdi’s commitment to appeal the ruling symbolizes the ongoing struggle for justice for earthquake victims and highlights the necessity for transparency and accountability in disaster response efforts.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
