Moroccan Court Enhances Sentence for Activist Over Criticism of Government Response

An appeals court in Morocco has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence from three months to one year for defamation. Ait Mahdi has been vocal about the government’s response to the 2023 earthquake, which led to significant destruction and loss of life. The increased sentence has raised concerns regarding freedom of speech and the treatment of activists in the country.

A Moroccan appeals court has increased the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year, revising the original three-month term imposed for defamation, according to his lawyer. Ait Mahdi, who heads a group that advocates for victims of the 2023 earthquake, has been in custody since December 23 following his criticism of the government’s handling of the disaster. In January, a Marrakesh court sentenced him to three months for defamation, insults, and disseminating false claims against privacy.

The Marrakesh appeals court’s decision to toughen Ait Mahdi’s sentence to one year was characterized by his lawyer, Mohamed El Ghalloussi, as excessively severe and shocking. Additionally, three other individuals, initially acquitted, received four-month jail sentences for insulting public officials, stemming from complaints related to perceived offensive social media posts by local authorities.

The El Haouz province, notably impacted by the devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023, has experienced severe devastation, including nearly 3,000 deaths, over 5,600 injuries, and approximately 60,000 destroyed homes, causing many families to endure winter in tents. Ait Mahdi’s organization continues to advocate for expedited reconstruction efforts and increased aid for those displaced by the disaster.

In December, the Moroccan government announced the issuance of 57,000 reconstruction permits and noted that more than 35,000 homes had been either constructed or were in the process of being built. Authorities have committed $11 billion for a five-year reconstruction and development initiative in the six provinces affected by the earthquake.

In conclusion, the appeals court’s decision to extend Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence highlights ongoing tensions in Morocco regarding governmental accountability in disaster response. The case has drawn attention to the plight of earthquake victims and the challenges they face, as well as the consequences faced by those who criticize government actions. The ongoing reconstruction efforts and the allocation of significant resources underscore the complexity of addressing the needs of affected communities while managing dissent.

Original Source: newscentral.africa