A Moroccan court has lengthened activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for criticizing earthquake recovery efforts after a devastating earthquake struck in September 2023. Three other coalition members, initially acquitted, were also sentenced to three months in prison for insulting public officials. The case highlights challenges in reconstruction efforts and government responses following the disaster.
A Moroccan court of appeal has increased the prison sentence for activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year after he criticized the response to the Al Haouz earthquake. The court also sentenced three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition to three months in prison for insulting public officials. Initially, they had been acquitted.
On January 13, Said Ait Mahdi was originally sentenced to three months in prison and ordered to pay MAD 10,000 (approximately $1,000) in damages for defamation and privacy violations related to his comments on the government’s earthquake recovery efforts in Marrakech.
This case arises from the aftermath of a devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred in September 2023, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths and destruction of about 60,000 homes. Survivors faced dire hardships, including prolonged stays in temporary accommodations.
The Al Haouz province, near Marrakech, saw the most severe damage, prompting local organizations like Ait Mahdi’s to call for faster reconstruction and more support for affected families. As of December 2024, Moroccan authorities reported issuing 57,000 reconstruction permits, with over 35,000 homes being rebuilt or completed.
The government responded by allocating approximately MAD 140,000 (around $14,000) per family for home reconstruction, alongside monthly financial assistance for 63,766 families. However, reports emerged of fraud against over 27 victims by construction contractors.
To manage reconstruction efforts, an inter-ministerial committee has been set up to oversee rehabilitation. Additionally, the government has pledged over MAD 800 million (approximately $79.29 million) to enhance healthcare facilities in affected regions.
In summary, the court’s decision to impose harsher sentences on activists reflects a restrictive approach towards dissent in Morocco, especially regarding criticism of governmental actions post-disaster. The devastating effects of the September earthquake continue to necessitate vigilant oversight of reconstruction and support for survivors, as progress is mingled with challenges and reports of fraud. Furthermore, while financial support has been made available for Reconstruction efforts and healthcare improvements, criticism remains regarding the scale and efficiency of the government’s response to the disaster. The evolving situation underscores the complexity of balancing governmental accountability and civil rights in the wake of a national crisis.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
