A Moroccan appeals court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for defamation after he criticized the government’s response to the 2023 earthquake. The case also impacted three other defendants. Ait Mahdi’s group is demanding quicker reconstruction and aid for earthquake victims, amidst widespread destruction and homelessness following the disaster.
A Moroccan appeals court has increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year, up from three months, according to his lawyer. Ait Mahdi, who leads a group for earthquake victims, has been detained since December 23 after criticizing the government’s handling of the disaster. Initially sentenced for defamation by a Marrakesh court, the appeals court deemed the increased sentence warranted after complaints from officials over his social media remarks.
The court’s ruling also affected three other defendants, who were originally acquitted but received four-month sentences for insulting public officials. The case arose from social media posts that local officials deemed offensive. Ait Mahdi’s advocacy is particularly relevant following the devastating earthquake, which resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and significant structural damage.
El Haouz province experienced severe destruction from the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in September 2023, displacing many families who now live in tents. Despite the suffering, Ait Mahdi’s group continues to demand more aid and expedited reconstruction efforts. The Moroccan government has claimed to have issued 57,000 reconstruction permits with over 35,000 homes under construction as part of an $11 billion recovery plan for the six affected provinces.
The escalation of Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence raises serious concerns regarding freedom of expression in Morocco, particularly for those advocating for disaster victims. Following the massive earthquake in September 2023, local governance and accountability have come under scrutiny, with families still struggling in the aftermath. The government’s efforts to address reconstruction remain critical, yet advocacy for victims’ rights continues to face severe challenges.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
