Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation for criticizing governmental earthquake response. He advocated for affected victims after the devastating 2023 El Haouz earthquake, which resulted in significant loss of life and destruction. His legal team plans to appeal the ruling, as three other members were acquitted. The government has initiated a reconstruction effort, allocating $11 billion for recovery.
Said Ait Mahdi, a prominent Moroccan activist and leader of a victims’ advocacy group, has been sentenced to three months in prison for defamation following his criticism of the government’s response to the September 2023 El Haouz earthquake. Ait Mahdi has been in custody since December 23, facing charges that included defamation, insult, and publishing false allegations. While three other members of his group were initially charged with insulting public officials, the Marrakesh Court of First Instance acquitted them, leading to a solitary sentence for Ait Mahdi.
In addition to the prison sentence, Ait Mahdi is required to pay damages amounting to 10,000 dirhams, approximately $1,000, to each civil complainant. His legal counsel, Mohamed Nouini, has indicated that Ait Mahdi plans to appeal the court’s ruling. The charges arose from complaints made by local officials regarding social media posts that they deemed offensive, according to Ait Mahdi’s lawyer.
The El Haouz province was extensively impacted by a devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake, which resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities, approximately 5,600 injuries, and the destruction of around 60,000 homes in the region. Many victims were compelled to survive through the winter in tents. Ait Mahdi’s organization has been actively advocating for expedited reconstruction efforts and enhanced aid for the affected populations. Recent reports from Moroccan authorities state that 57,000 reconstruction permits have been granted and over 35,000 homes have been built or are in the process of construction. Furthermore, the government has allocated $11 billion towards a comprehensive five-year reconstruction and development plan for the six provinces that were adversely affected by the calamity.
On September 8, 2023, a powerful earthquake with a magnitude of 6.8 struck the El Haouz province, near Marrakesh, leading to a significant humanitarian crisis. The disaster resulted in substantial loss of life, extensive injuries, and widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes. As the country undertook reconstruction efforts, various activists and organizations emerged to address the needs of those impacted by the earthquake. Said Ait Mahdi, as a leader of one such advocacy group, became outspoken regarding the perceived shortcomings in the government’s response to the disaster and the need for urgent aid and reconstruction, ultimately leading to legal repercussions against him.
The sentencing of Said Ait Mahdi highlights the tensions between governmental authorities and activists advocating for social justice and effective disaster response in Morocco. His criticisms of the government’s handling of the aftermath of the catastrophic El Haouz earthquake have resulted in legal consequences, raising concerns about freedom of expression. While the government has initiated extensive reconstruction efforts following the earthquake, the push for accountability and improved aid continues, as exemplified by Ait Mahdi’s activism and subsequent imprisonment. It remains to be seen how these developments will influence public discourse and future governmental actions in disaster management.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
