Said Ait Mehdi, head of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims in Al-Houz, was sentenced to three months in prison by the Marrakech Court. He was also fined 500 dirhams and ordered to pay 10,000 dirhams in compensation. His case began in December following accusations related to spreading false information and insulting officials. Three co-defendants were acquitted in the same proceedings.
The Marrakech Court of First Instance has imposed a three-month prison sentence on Said Ait Mehdi, the leader of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims in Al-Houz. In addition to prison time, Ait Mehdi was fined 500 dirhams and mandated to compensate the civil party with 10,000 dirhams. His legal troubles began last December, leading to his detention in Loudia prison after a prosecutor’s actions.
Ait Mehdi faced multiple accusations, including disseminating false information that jeopardized individuals’ privacy, tarnishing reputations, insulting public officials, and inciting others to commit crimes via electronic media. Meanwhile, three co-defendants, who had also been charged with offenses related to insulting a public servant, were acquitted by the court.
The events that led to Ait Mehdi’s arrest were triggered by a complaint from an official residing in the “Tadafalt” village within the Ighil community, supported by the successor of the Ajoukak commander. The case emphasizes the judiciary’s stance on maintaining public order against perceived misconduct of public officials.
This case highlights the legal challenges faced by advocates for earthquake victims in Morocco, particularly as they navigate the complexities of public accountability and government actions in the aftermath of natural disasters. Ait Mehdi’s situation reflects broader societal tensions regarding the protection of civil rights and the limits of free expression when addressing public officials’ conduct. The legal framework in Morocco concerning defamation and public discourse plays a crucial role in this context, raising questions about the balance between accountability and freedom of speech.
In summary, the Marrakech Court’s ruling against Said Ait Mehdi marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for the rights of earthquake victims in Morocco. With Ait Mehdi receiving a prison sentence and fines for alleged misconduct against public officials, this case illustrates the precarious nature of civil advocacy in the face of legal repercussions. The acquittal of three co-defendants further complicates the narrative surrounding this case, emphasizing differing perspectives on accountability and protection under the law.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
