A Moroccan appeals court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence from three months to one year for defamation linked to his criticism of the government’s earthquake response. Three other defendants, previously acquitted, now face four-month terms for insulting officials. The El Haouz province, severely impacted by the earthquake, continues to suffer with thousands displaced and significant reconstruction needs.
A Moroccan appeals court has lengthened the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year, following his initial three-month term for defamation, according to his legal counsel. Ait Mahdi has been held since December 23 after publicly criticizing the government’s response to the 2023 earthquake. In January, a Marrakesh court sentenced him to three months for crimes including defamation and publishing false allegations.
The appeals court in Marrakesh has now intensified this sentence to a full year, a decision that lawyer Mohamed El Ghalloussi has characterized as extremely severe and shocking. Three other defendants, originally acquitted, have received four-month sentences for insulting public officials, resulting from complaints lodged by local officials over social media remarks.
El Haouz province, which experienced the most significant damage from the 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023, recorded almost 3,000 fatalities, over 5,600 injuries, and approximately 60,000 destroyed homes. Many residents are enduring the winter in tents due to the extensive destruction of their housing.
Ait Mahdi’s organization continues to advocate for expedited reconstruction efforts and increased assistance for those displaced. The Moroccan government reported in December that it had granted 57,000 reconstruction permits, and over 35,000 homes are either completed or under construction, with authorities allocating $11 billion for a comprehensive five-year rebuilding plan across the affected provinces.
In conclusion, the appeals court’s decision to extend Said Ait Mahdi’s sentence highlights the ongoing tensions between activists advocating for government accountability and the Moroccan authorities. The aftermath of the earthquake remains dire, with significant needs for reconstruction and support for displaced individuals. As the government progresses in its recovery efforts, the situation illustrates the challenges faced by those demanding transparency and timely aid in the wake of national disasters.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
