Said Ait Mahdi, a Moroccan activist, has had his prison term increased to one year for criticizing the government’s earthquake response. He leads efforts for victims of the September 2023 earthquake, which caused widespread devastation. Alongside Ait Mahdi, three other defendants received prison sentences for insulting public officials. The government claims to be actively working on reconstruction efforts for affected families.
A Moroccan appeals court has escalated the prison term of activist Said Ait Mahdi from three months to one year, as reported by his attorney. Ait Mahdi leads a movement that advocates for the victims of Morocco’s devastating 2023 earthquake and has been in custody since December 23 for criticizing the government’s disaster response. His original sentence was imposed by a Marrakesh court, citing accusations of defamation, insult, and the dissemination of false information.
The appeals court decision was a considerable escalation, with Ait Mahdi’s lawyer, Mohamed El Ghalloussi, describing the new sentence as harsh and shocking. Additionally, three co-defendants who were initially acquitted have now been sentenced to four months in prison for allegedly insulting public officials through social media postings. This case began after local government officials lodged complaints regarding remarks they deemed offensive.
The area of El Haouz, significantly impacted by the September 2023 earthquake which registered a magnitude of 6.8, suffered immense destruction leading to nearly 3,000 fatalities, 5,600 injuries, and the loss of approximately 60,000 homes. Many earthquake survivors are currently enduring winter conditions in makeshift tents. Ait Mahdi’s organization is actively campaigning for accelerated rebuilding initiatives and increased support for displaced families.
In response to the disaster, the Moroccan government disclosed in December that it had issued 57,000 reconstruction permits, with over 35,000 homes either completed or underway. Authorities have earmarked $11 billion for a comprehensive five-year plan aimed at revitalizing the six provinces most affected by the earthquake.
In summary, the Moroccan justice system has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for his criticisms of the government’s earthquake response. This decision has drawn significant criticism from legal representatives and highlights ongoing tensions in civil discourse regarding governmental accountability in disaster management. The situation remains precarious as efforts for reconstruction continue in the earthquake-affected regions.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
