Moroccan Court Enhances Prison Sentence for Activist Criticizing Earthquake Response
A Moroccan court increased activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for criticizing earthquake recovery efforts, while three other coalition members received three-month sentences for public insults. The 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023 led to extensive loss of life and property in the Marrakech region, prompting substantial government response and reconstruction efforts. Challenges persist, including contractor fraud, highlighting the complexities of recovery operations.
A Moroccan court of appeal has extended activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year, originally three months, for criticizing government actions following the Al Haouz earthquake. The court changed its initial ruling concerning three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition, sentencing them to three months in prison for insulting public officials. This decision reflects the tensions between activists and authorities in the wake of the devastating earthquake response.
The charges against Ait Mahdi included defamation and privacy violations stemming from statements made about the local government’s management of earthquake recovery efforts post the 6.8-magnitude quake that struck Marrakech in September 2023. This catastrophic event resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths, 5,600 injuries, and left around 60,000 homes damaged or destroyed, particularly in the High Atlas region.
In the aftermath, many survivors were displaced, living in temporary accommodations while local organizations like Ait Mahdi’s advocated for urgent reconstruction support. By December 2024, Moroccan authorities issued 57,000 permits for rebuilding efforts, with over 35,000 homes either built or under construction. The government allocated approximately MAD 140,000 (about $14,000) per family to facilitate home reconstruction.
Despite the swift governmental response, challenges arose, including reported fraud by construction contractors affecting over 27 victims. To counteract these issues, an inter-ministerial committee was established to supervise rehabilitation efforts, ensuring proper oversight of the rebuilding process. Additionally, the initiatives have provided financial assistance to 63,766 families and invested over MAD 800 million (around $79.29 million) to enhance healthcare services in affected areas.
The extension of Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence highlights ongoing tensions between activists and the Moroccan government regarding earthquake recovery efforts. While substantial progress has been made in reconstruction and financial aid, the emergence of fraud and the need for oversight indicate significant challenges remain. This situation underscores the delicate balance between governmental action and public criticism in crisis response scenarios.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
