Four activists representing earthquake victims in Morocco are facing defamation charges, with their leader, Said Ait Mahdi, in custody. The legal action, initiated by local officials, stems from criticisms of the earthquake response. This case highlights the struggle for accountability and support in the wake of the 2023 earthquake, which devastated the Al Haouz region, claiming thousands of lives and leaving many homeless.
On Monday, four activists who advocate for the victims of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco were presented in court, facing various charges, including defamation, as reported by their attorney, Mohamed Nouini. Said Ait Mahdi, the leader of Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coordination, has been in custody for a week, while the other three activists, who are accused of insulting public officials, remain at liberty. These charges arose following complaints filed by local officials in response to social media posts that they considered derogatory.
Ait Mahdi’s legal team has filed a motion requesting his release pending trial, scheduled for January 6. The Al Haouz region, located south of Marrakech, suffered significant devastation from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck in September 2023, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and injuring thousands more. The quake destroyed tens of thousands of homes in central Morocco, including areas in the High Atlas mountain range, compelling numerous families to endure outdoor conditions throughout the winter.
The activists have been vocal in urging for expedited reconstruction efforts and increased support for the affected families. As of early December, Moroccan authorities reported granting approximately 57,000 reconstruction permits, with over 35,000 housing units either completed or in progress, as confirmed by a government statement from December 2. In response to the disaster, Moroccan officials announced a comprehensive five-year reconstruction initiative with a projected cost of $11.7 billion, allocating around $740 million specifically to support families in rebuilding their homes through a structured distribution of funds.
The 2023 earthquake in Morocco was a catastrophic event, occurring on September 8, with a magnitude of 6.8. It primarily impacted the Al Haouz region, resulting in significant loss of life and extensive property destruction. The aftermath of the earthquake has seen disappointment among activists and the local population regarding the pace and adequacy of the government’s response to rebuilding efforts. Activists like Said Ait Mahdi have been vocal critics, demanding faster reconstruction, greater support for displaced families, and accountability from public officials. This situation has led to legal repercussions for some activists who voiced their concerns online, drawing attention to broader issues of governance and disaster response in Morocco.
The court appearance of the four activists highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the response to the 2023 earthquake in Morocco. As reconstruction efforts progress slowly, activists are facing legal challenges for their criticism of government actions, raising questions about freedom of expression and accountability. The case underscores the need for transparent communication and effective support for those most affected by the natural disaster. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and what impact they will have on future advocacy efforts.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
