Moroccan Court Shows Severity in Sentence Against Earthquake Activist

A Moroccan appeals court has extended activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence from three months to one year for defamation after his criticism of the government’s earthquake response. Three other defendants received four-month sentences for insulting officials. The 2023 earthquake resulted in extensive damage and loss of life, prompting calls for urgent reconstruction and support from Ait Mahdi’s group.

The Moroccan appeals court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence from three months to one year for defamation, as confirmed by his legal counsel. Ait Mahdi leads a group that advocates for those affected by the 2023 earthquake and has been in custody since December 23. His criticism of the government’s response led to charges of defamation, insult, and disseminating false information.

In January, a Marrakesh court originally sentenced him to three months, but the appeals court’s recent ruling was described as “very harsh and shocking” by lawyer Mohamed El Ghalloussi. Additionally, three other defendants, previously acquitted, received four-month sentences for insulting public officials, which arose from complaints related to their social media activities.

The earthquake, which struck El Haouz province in September 2023, caused severe destruction, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities and significant property damage. Approximately 60,000 homes were reported destroyed, leaving many families to face winter in temporary shelters. Ait Mahdi’s group has advocated for urgent reconstruction efforts and increased support for displaced citizens.

The Moroccan government announced the issuance of 57,000 permits for reconstruction and that over 35,000 homes are either completed or under construction. A substantial allocation of $11 billion has been designated for a comprehensive five-year redevelopment initiative covering the six provinces impacted by the disaster.

In summary, the escalated prison term for Said Ait Mahdi highlights the severe repercussions faced by activists critiquing government actions in Morocco. As he continues to fight for victims of the earthquake, the government declares its commitment to reconstruction efforts amidst significant challenges faced by the affected communities. The decision to incarcerate Ait Mahdi and others sheds light on the tension between state authority and civil activism in the country.

Original Source: newscentral.africa