Moroccan Appeals Court Increases Sentence for Activist Critical of Government

The Moroccan appeals court has extended activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for defamation related to his criticism of the government’s earthquake response. Three other defendants were sentenced for insulting public officials. The earthquake caused widespread destruction, and Ait Mahdi’s group advocates for more aid and swifter reconstruction efforts amidst ongoing government claims of progress.

A Moroccan appeals court has increased the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year from the initial three-month term he was given for defamation, according to his attorney. Ait Mahdi, leading a group that advocates for victims of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco, has been incarcerated since December 23 after criticizing the government’s response to the disaster. In January, he had received a three-month sentence for defamation, insult, and publishing false allegations that violated privacy laws.

Following the appeal, the Marrakesh court’s decision to lengthen the sentence to a full year has been described by lawyer Mohamed El Ghalloussi as excessively harsh and shocking. Additionally, three other defendants who were previously acquitted were each sentenced to four months in prison for insulting public officials, stemming from complaints by local officials regarding offensive social media posts.

The earthquake in September 2023, which registered a magnitude of 6.8, caused extensive damage in El Haouz province, resulting in nearly 3,000 fatalities, 5,600 injuries, and the destruction of approximately 60,000 homes. Numerous families have been left to endure the harsh winter conditions in makeshift tents while awaiting aid and reconstruction efforts.

Ait Mahdi’s organization has been advocating for accelerated reconstruction and increased assistance for those displaced by the disaster. The Moroccan government reported in December that it has granted 57,000 reconstruction permits and claimed that over 35,000 homes have either been built or are currently under construction. Furthermore, authorities have allocated $11 billion towards a comprehensive five-year development and reconstruction plan for the six provinces affected by the earthquake.

In summary, the appeals court’s decision to extend Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year highlights the government’s stance on dissent amid its disaster response. Ait Mahdi’s activism focuses on increasing support for earthquake victims, who continue to face dire living conditions. Despite government claims of ongoing reconstruction efforts, the challenges for affected families remain significant, as they await promised assistance and rebuilding efforts.

Original Source: newscentral.africa