Moroccan Court Increases Sentence of Activist Criticizing Earthquake Response
A Moroccan court has extended activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for criticizing earthquake recovery efforts. Additionally, three members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition were sentenced to three months for insulting officials. Despite ongoing challenges, reconstruction efforts have begun with significant government funding and support for families affected by the earthquake.
On January 13, a Moroccan court sentenced activist Said Ait Mahdi to three months in prison for criticizing the response to the Al Haouz earthquake, alongside a fine of MAD 10,000 ($1,000) for damages. The court’s recent decision expanded the sentence to one year and subsequently sentenced three members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition, initially acquitted, to three months in prison for insulting public officials.
The charges against Ait Mahdi were rooted in claims of defamation and publishing false statements, primarily concerning the local authorities’ handling of earthquake recovery efforts following the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023. This disaster resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths, over 5,600 injuries, and extensive destruction, particularly in the High Atlas mountain region, leaving many survivors living in temporary accommodations.
The Al Haouz province experienced the worst damage, prompting local organizations, including Ait Mahdi’s group, to advocate for swift reconstruction and support for impacted families. As of early December 2024, Moroccan authorities had issued 57,000 reconstruction permits, with reports indicating over 35,000 homes either completed or under construction, evidencing progress amidst challenges.
The government has allocated approximately MAD 140,000 (about $14,000) per family for home reconstruction, though issues of fraud involving construction contractors have arisen. To streamline recovery, an inter-ministerial committee is overseeing building efforts. Furthermore, 63,766 families have received monthly financial assistance, and over MAD 800 million (approximately $79.29 million) has been dedicated to enhancing healthcare facilities in affected regions.
In summary, the Moroccan court’s increase of Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence and the sentencing of other activists signifies ongoing tensions regarding the critique of government responses post-earthquake. Despite the progress made in reconstruction efforts, challenges remain, including fraudulent activities and health service improvements. Nonetheless, sustained financial assistance and proactive government actions indicate a commitment to restoring affected communities in Al Haouz and surrounding areas.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
