Said Ait Mehdi, leader of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz, was sentenced to three months in prison and fined by the Marrakech Court. He faced multiple charges, leading to significant penalties. Acquittals were also issued for three other defendants in the same case.
The Marrakech Court of First Instance has sentenced Said Ait Mehdi, the head of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz, to a three-month prison term. In addition to imprisonment, he has been fined 500 dirhams and ordered to compensate the civil party with 10,000 dirhams. Concurrently, the court acquitted three co-defendants involved in the same proceedings.
Said Ait Mehdi’s legal troubles began last December when he was detained by the prosecutor of the Marrakech Court. Following this, he was imprisoned in the Loudia facility. Ait Mehdi faced multiple accusations, including disseminating false information, damaging reputations, and inciting others to commit crimes through electronic means.
The arrest of Ait Mehdi and his co-defendants stemmed from a complaint by an authority officer from Tadafalt village in the Ighil community. The other individuals involved were specifically charged with insulting a public official during the legal process, highlighting tensions between local authorities and the advocacy group for earthquake victims.
The case against Said Ait Mehdi reflects ongoing tensions between government authorities and civil advocacy groups in Morocco, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters. The Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz has been vocal in representing the interests of those affected by the recent earthquakes, leading to conflicts with local officials. This incident underscores the broader issues of free speech, activism, and accountability in Morocco’s legal landscape.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Said Ait Mehdi to three months in prison highlights potential repercussions for civil rights advocacy within Morocco. While he faces significant penalties, including fines and compensation, the acquittal of his co-defendants indicates a complex legal situation. This case may set a precedent for how authorities address criticisms and advocacy, particularly following natural disasters.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
