A Moroccan court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence from three months to one year for defaming local authorities regarding their earthquake response. Other coalition members were sentenced to three months for insulting officials. The Al Haouz earthquake in September 2023 resulted in significant devastation, prompting governmental support and reconstruction efforts, albeit with challenges like fraud and management issues.
On January 13, a Moroccan court sentenced activist Said Ait Mahdi to three months in prison for defamation, specifically for criticizing local authorities’ response to the Al Haouz earthquake. However, the sentence has been increased to one year upon appeal. The court also sentenced three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition to three months in prison, previously acquitted, for insulting public officials.
The devastating earthquake measuring 6.8 on the Richter scale struck Marrakech in September 2023, claiming nearly 3,000 lives and resulting in over 5,600 injuries. The disaster destroyed approximately 60,000 homes, particularly impacting the High Atlas mountain region, where many survivors were forced to live in temporary shelters for extended periods. In response to the earthquake, the state has been mobilizing resources and support to address rehabilitation needs.
By early December 2024, Moroccan authorities had issued 57,000 reconstruction permits, enabling the rebuilding of over 35,000 homes. The government allocated roughly MAD 140,000 (approximately $14,000) per family to assist home reconstruction efforts. Despite the rapid response, the process has not been without challenges, as the Ministry of Interior reported instances of fraud involving construction contractors.
To facilitate the reconstruction efforts, an inter-ministerial committee was established to oversee the rehabilitation processes. Financial support remains significant, with reports indicating that 63,766 families are receiving monthly assistance. Moreover, the government committed over MAD 800 million (around $79.29 million) to enhance healthcare facilities in earthquake-affected areas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to recovery.
The legal repercussions faced by activist Said Ait Mahdi underscore the challenges of addressing governmental accountability in the wake of the Al Haouz earthquake. The government’s commitment to reconstruction and support for affected families is evident, yet issues such as fraud and the need for efficient management highlight areas requiring further attention. The response to this catastrophe presents a complex landscape of advocacy, rehabilitation, and legal implications.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
