Moroccan activist Said Ait Mahdi was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation over his criticism of the government’s response to the El Haouz earthquake of 2023. Ait Mahdi, a leader in advocating for earthquake victims, faces additional financial penalties and plans to appeal his conviction, which has raised concerns about civil rights in Morocco.
In a notable legal development, Moroccan activist Said Ait Mahdi was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation on Monday, following his criticism of the government’s response to the devastating El Haouz earthquake of 2023. Leading an organization for victims of the earthquake, Ait Mahdi has been in custody since December 23. His trial included charges of defamation, insulting public officials, and disseminating false information. Although three other group members faced similar charges, they were acquitted. Ait Mahdi was also ordered to pay damages totaling 10,000 dirhams (approximately $1,000) to each civil complainant. His defense team indicated intentions to appeal the verdict.
The charges stem from complaints by local officials regarding Ait Mahdi’s social media activity, which they deemed offensive. The El Haouz region was severely affected by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in September 2023, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities and over 5,600 injuries, along with the destruction of around 60,000 homes, displacing many families into temporary shelters during winter. Ait Mahdi and his group have been vocal advocates for expedited aid and reconstruction efforts, putting pressure on authorities which have reported issuing 57,000 reconstruction permits and have committed to an extensive $11 billion recovery plan over five years to rebuild the affected provinces.
The case against Said Ait Mahdi highlights the tensions between civil activism and government policies in Morocco, particularly in the aftermath of the El Haouz earthquake. This natural disaster, which struck in September 2023, had a profound impact on the region, leading to significant loss of life and property. Many citizens have expressed frustration regarding the pace of the government’s reconstruction efforts and the allocation of aid to victims. Ait Mahdi’s organization has played an important role in advocating for the rights and needs of earthquake survivors, prompting local officials to respond defensively through legal measures against criticism.
In summary, the imprisonment of Said Ait Mahdi for defamation reflects the ongoing challenges faced by activists in Morocco as they confront governmental accountability and transparency issues following a national tragedy. The outcome of his appeal may have broader implications for civic engagement and expression within the country, particularly for those advocating for vulnerable populations affected by disasters. As reconstruction efforts proceed, the call for effective government action remains a critical issue for affected communities in El Haouz.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
