Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation after criticizing the government’s response to the 2023 El Haouz earthquake, which left many homeless. While three other activists were acquitted of charges, Ait Mahdi was fined and plans to appeal. The earthquake claimed nearly 3,000 lives and destroyed thousands of homes, sparking ongoing demands for faster reconstruction and aid.
On Monday, Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist and leader of an advocacy group for victims of the 2023 El Haouz earthquake, was sentenced to three months in prison for defamation following his criticism of the government’s response to the natural disaster. Detained since December 23, Ait Mahdi faced multiple charges including defamation, insult, and publishing false allegations. His legal representative, Mohamed Nouini, disclosed that while three of his colleagues were acquitted, Ait Mahdi was found guilty and ordered to pay damages totaling 10,000 dirhams ($1,000) to each civil complainant.
The charges arose from complaints lodged by local officials, who claimed that social media posts authored by Ait Mahdi contained derogatory statements. The El Haouz province, severely hit by the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in September 2023, saw approximately 3,000 fatalities, over 5,600 injuries, and the destruction of about 60,000 homes, leaving numerous families stranded during the winter months in makeshift tents. Ait Mahdi’s advocacy group has been instrumental in demanding expedited reconstruction efforts and enhanced aid for those affected.
Following the earthquake, the Moroccan government reported the issuance of 57,000 reconstruction permits, with more than 35,000 homes either rebuilt or currently under construction. The government has allocated $11 billion toward a comprehensive five-year reconstruction and development initiative for the provinces impacted by the disaster. This funding aims to rebuild communities and improve conditions for those who have suffered significant losses.
The 2023 El Haouz earthquake struck Morocco on September 8, resulting in extensive devastation in the region, particularly within the El Haouz province south of Marrakesh. The quake resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and extensive property damage, leading to humanitarian challenges as families were displaced and many continued to live in tents through winter. Advocacy groups, including the one led by Ait Mahdi, have pressed the government for swift recovery efforts and increased support for affected communities, adding to the urgency of the matter amid bureaucratic delays in aid distribution and reconstruction efforts.
Said Ait Mahdi’s sentencing serves as a stark reminder of the sensitivities surrounding governmental accountability and public discourse in Morocco, especially in the wake of natural disasters that necessitate immediate response. While the government claims progress in reconstruction efforts, Ait Mahdi and his supporters urge for more substantial actions to assist those profoundly affected by the earthquake. The case underscores the ongoing tensions between civil society activism and governmental authority, which may have profound implications for future advocacy efforts in Morocco.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
