Ait Mahdi’s prison term was increased to one year by a Moroccan appeals court for criticizing governmental actions following the 2023 earthquake. Initially sentenced to three months, he has faced legal penalties alongside his fellow activists, amidst ongoing demands for effective reconstruction and aid for victims.

A Moroccan appeals court has increased the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year, as reported by his lawyer on Tuesday. Ait Mahdi, who leads a group advocating for victims of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, has been in custody since December 23 for criticizing the government’s response to the disaster. He was initially sentenced to three months for defamation, insults, and allegedly publishing false claims that invaded others’ privacy.

The appeals court in Marrakesh extended his penalty significantly from three months to one year, which lawyer Mohamed El Ghalloussi characterized as excessively harsh and shocking. In a related development, three other defendants, initially acquitted, received four-month jail sentences for insulting public officials. According to Mr. Ghalloussi, these legal actions are rooted in complaints from local officials regarding social media posts they deemed offensive.

The case of Said Ait Mahdi highlights ongoing tensions in Morocco between the government and activists demanding accountability and assistance for earthquake victims. Despite the government’s commitments to reconstruction efforts, the situation for many affected individuals remains dire, prompting activists to continue their advocacy amidst increasing legal repercussions. The harsh sentencing reflects a concerning trend in the treatment of dissent in the region.

Original Source: newscentral.africa