Moroccan Activist Receives Extended Prison Sentence for Government Criticism

A Moroccan appeals court has escalated the prison term of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year for criticizing the government’s earthquake response. Ait Mahdi advocates for victims affected by the September 2023 earthquake, where thousands died and faced homelessness. Alongside him, three other defendants received jail time for insulting officials, revealing the government’s strict stance on dissent.

A Moroccan appeals court has increased the prison term of activist Said Ait Mahdi from three months to one year, according to his attorney. Ait Mahdi has been incarcerated since December 23 for criticizing the government’s response to the 2023 earthquake. Initially sentenced by a Marrakesh court for defamation and insult, the escalation of his sentence was described as shocking and excessively harsh by his lawyer, Mohamed El Ghalloussi.

Alongside Ait Mahdi, three additional defendants who were originally acquitted received four-month sentences for insulting public officials, prompted by complaints from local authorities about their social media statements. The earthquake in September 2023 severely affected El Haouz province, resulting in approximately 3,000 fatalities, over 5,600 injuries, and the destruction of about 60,000 homes, leaving many families in tents over the winter months.

Ait Mahdi’s group has been advocating for quicker reconstruction initiatives and increased assistance for affected residents. The Moroccan government reported in December the issuance of 57,000 reconstruction permits and asserted that more than 35,000 homes had been constructed or were underway as part of a five-year, $11 billion redevelopment plan for the impacted provinces.

In summary, the increase in Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence highlights the ongoing tensions between activists and the Moroccan government regarding accountability in disaster response. His case, along with the sentencing of others, exemplifies the government’s strict stance on dissenting opinions. The push for quicker aid and reconstruction may continue amidst these legal battles, as the affected communities strive for recovery.

Original Source: newscentral.africa