Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, was sentenced to three months in prison for leading protests against government responses to a devastating earthquake. Human rights groups condemned the charges as politically motivated, citing ongoing issues with recovery efforts in the region.
A prominent Moroccan activist who organized protests against the government’s response to the recent earthquake has received a prison sentence. Said Ait Mahdi, aged 32 and president of a leading activist group in the earthquake-affected region, was sentenced to three months in prison and ordered to pay over $1,000. His charges included defamation, assault, and inciting an unauthorized demonstration, which human rights advocates deemed politically motivated.
The sentencing of Said Ait Mahdi follows the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023 that resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and severe damage to the Al Haouz region. Many individuals continue to languish in temporary shelters as recovery efforts remain disorganized. Protests against perceived mismanagement have arisen, indicating the region’s longstanding issues involving indigenous minority groups and inadequate infrastructure.
The case of Said Ait Mahdi raises serious concerns about civil liberties in Morocco, as many view his sentence as a retaliatory action against political dissent. Advocates continue to call for his release and highlight the government’s failure to effectively address the needs of earthquake survivors. Ait Mahdi’s activism reflects the challenges faced by marginalized communities demanding accountability and justice.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
