A Moroccan court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year and sentenced three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition to three months in prison. This follows their criticisms of the authorities’ earthquake recovery response after the September 2023 disaster that resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and widespread destruction. The government has issued numerous reconstruction permits and allocated financial assistance for affected families but faces challenges in the recovery process.
In a recent ruling, a Moroccan court of appeal has increased the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi from three months to one year. The court also revised its initial decision concerning three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition, who were initially acquitted, now receiving sentences of three months for insulting public officials. Ait Mahdi faced accusations of defamation and disseminating false claims about the local authorities’ response to the earthquake recovery efforts in Marrakech.
This legal action stems from the aftermath of the catastrophic 6.8-magnitude earthquake that struck Marrakech in September 2023, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths and extensive destruction, particularly in the High Atlas mountain region. The earthquake caused significant loss of life and left 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed, forcing many survivors to reside in temporary accommodations. Local advocacy organizations, such as Ait Mahdi’s, have urged for swift reconstruction measures and support for impacted families.
By early December 2024, Moroccan authorities had granted 57,000 reconstruction permits, with reports indicating that over 35,000 homes were under construction or already completed. The government has allocated approximately MAD 140,000 (around $14,000) per family for home reconstruction assistance and set up an inter-ministerial committee to monitor rebuilding efforts. Financial aid has been extensive, with 63,766 families receiving monthly support.
The Moroccan court’s decision to extend Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence highlights the tense dynamic between governmental authority and citizen advocacy in the wake of a national disaster. Despite the swift governmental response to the earthquake, challenges persist in the recovery process, revealing complexities in rebuilding efforts and the need for ongoing oversight and support to affected families. The situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in disaster recovery efforts.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
