Four activists were charged in Morocco for criticizing the government’s response to the 2023 earthquake that killed nearly 3,000. Said Ait Mahdi, a central figure, faces defamation allegations while other defendants await trial. The government has issued over 57,000 reconstruction permits despite calls for quicker action.
On Monday, four activists who demonstrated support for victims of the 2023 Morocco earthquake found themselves in court, facing various legal accusations, including defamation. Among them, Said Ait Mahdi, the leader of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coordination, has been detained on charges that include defaming state officials and disseminating false information. The alleged offenses arose from social media criticisms of the government’s response to the natural disaster. The remaining three defendants, currently free but still facing charges of insulting public figures, await their trial dates.
The earthquake that struck in September 2023 resulted in significant devastation, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and obliterating thousands of homes in the High Atlas region. Ait Mahdi’s organization has consistently called for expedited reconstruction efforts to aid affected families. Despite these calls, Moroccan authorities have since issued over 57,000 reconstruction permits and allocated approximately $740 million for the rebuilding of homes.
The 2023 earthquake in Morocco serves as a critical backdrop for the ongoing legal disputes involving activists advocating for victims. The disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities of many communities in the High Atlas mountains and brought to light the need for rapid governmental response in crisis management. As victims continue to suffer the consequences of the catastrophe, calls for more immediate and effective rebuilding measures have become a focal point of activism, leading to increased tensions between the government and civil society figures.
The court proceedings against the four activists underscore the tensions between governmental authorities and civil rights advocates in Morocco, particularly in the wake of crisis management controversies. The case against Said Ait Mahdi, amid serious allegations, raises critical questions about freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenters in times of national emergency. As reconstruction efforts move forward, the implications of these charges will remain a pivotal issue within Moroccan society.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
