Four Moroccan activists, including Said Ait Mahdi, have been charged with defamation after criticizing government response to the 2023 earthquake that killed nearly 3,000 people. The earthquake caused extensive damage in Al Haouz, leading to significant housing needs, for which activists are calling for faster reconstruction efforts. Moroccan authorities have announced a substantial reconstruction plan, but activism in this context is meeting legal resistance.
Four Moroccan activists who have been vocal advocates for victims of the devastating earthquake that struck in September 2023 faced legal proceedings in Marrakesh court on Monday. Their lawyer, Mohamed Nouini, indicated that the charges against the activists include defamation and insulting public officials, stemming from social media posts perceived as offensive by local authorities. The primary defendant, Said Ait Mahdi, has been in detention for one week, while other co-defendants remain free pending resolution of their cases.
The Al Haouz province, situated south of Marrakesh, was severely impacted by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake, which resulted in the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives and caused extensive injuries to thousands more. In the aftermath, the earthquake demolished tens of thousands of homes, compelling families to endure difficult living conditions outdoors, especially during the cold winter months. Ait Mahdi’s group has actively lobbied for expedited reconstruction and enhanced support for those affected by the disaster, and as of early December, Moroccan authorities reported the issuance of approximately 57,000 reconstruction permits and the progress of over 35,000 housing units.
Following the earthquake, the Moroccan government initiated a comprehensive five-year reconstruction strategy, with an estimated budget of $11.7 billion, of which about $740 million is designated to assist impacted families in rebuilding their homes. The financial support is structured to be distributed in installments to facilitate the recovery efforts.
In September 2023, Morocco experienced a catastrophic earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale, which predominantly affected the Al Haouz province. The disaster resulted in extensive casualties and destruction, forcing many families into homelessness as they faced the harsh realities of winter without shelter. In response to the immediate needs for recovery, Moroccan authorities implemented a significant reconstruction initiative. This situation has prompted activists, including Said Ait Mahdi and others, to advocate for victims’ rights and press for swifter action in the rebuilding process, underlined by the legal challenges they now face for speaking out against local officials.
The ongoing legal issues facing the activists highlight the tension between governmental accountability and public advocacy in the wake of a national disaster. The allegations against them raise questions about freedom of speech and the challenges faced by those who seek to support vulnerable populations affected by crises. As reconstruction efforts continue, the commitment of civil society to campaign for affected families underscores the vital role of advocacy in disaster recovery.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
