Four Moroccan activists face defamation charges after criticizing earthquake response efforts. Their leader, Said Ait Mahdi, remains in custody, while others are free pending trial. The legal actions resulted from complaints by local officials over social media posts. The 2023 earthquake led to significant casualties and a reconstruction plan of $11.7 billion.
RABAT: Four activists involved in advocating for victims of the September 2023 earthquake in Morocco recently appeared in a Marrakech court to face defamation charges, among others. According to their lawyer Mohamed Nouini, Said Ait Mahdi, the leader of Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coordination, has been detained for a week. The remaining three activists, who face allegations of insulting public officials, have been released pending trial. The legal actions stem from grievances filed by local officials concerning social media posts perceived as defamatory.
The September 2023 earthquake, which struck Morocco with a 6.8-magnitude shock, resulted in almost 3,000 fatalities and inflicted injuries on thousands more. Al Haouz province, located south of Marrakech, sustained the most extensive damage, leading to widespread homelessness as numerous structures were destroyed. In response to the disaster, the Moroccan government initiated a five-year reconstruction initiative with a substantial $11.7 billion budget, including provisions to assist affected families in rebuilding their homes. As of early December, reconstruction permits have been issued, and significant progress has been reported in housing construction efforts.
The ongoing legal proceedings against the activists highlight the tensions between governmental authorities and those advocating for earthquake victims. Amid these developments, recovery efforts continue, with significant financial resources allocated for reconstruction. As the court proceedings unfold, the balance between accountability for public officials and the protection of free speech will be critically examined.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com