The Moroccan court has escalated activist Said Ait Mahdi’s prison sentence to one year for criticizing the government’s earthquake recovery response after the Al-Haouz earthquake. Additionally, three other coalition members received three-month sentences for insulting public officials. Despite the government’s extensive reconstruction efforts, challenges such as fraud have surfaced, prompting the establishment of a committee to supervise recovery initiatives.
A Moroccan court of appeal has increased the prison sentence of activist Said Ait Mahdi to one year for criticizing the government’s response to the Al-Haouz earthquake. Initially sentenced to three months for defamation and violating privacy, Ait Mahdi led efforts to advocate for earthquake victims after the devastating 6.8-magnitude quake struck Marrakech in September 2023, claiming nearly 3,000 lives.
The court also altered its previous acquittal of three other members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coalition, sentencing them to three months in prison for allegedly insulting public officials in their criticisms of the local authorities’ recovery efforts. Following the earthquake, local organizations have pushed for quicker reconstruction efforts to assist those affected.
In response to the disaster, Moroccan authorities have issued 57,000 reconstruction permits by December 2024, with over 35,000 homes having been completed or are under construction. Furthermore, the government has allocated significant financial resources, providing approximately MAD 140,000 (around $14,000) per family for home rebuilding and committing over MAD 800 million ($79.29 million) to enhance healthcare facilities in the disaster-affected regions.
Despite these efforts, the recovery process faces challenges, including reports of fraud in construction management impacting over 27 victims. An inter-ministerial committee was established to oversee rehabilitative measures for the affected communities and ensure effective management of reconstruction initiatives. Additionally, 63,766 families are receiving ongoing monthly financial support for their needs during this recovery period.
The court’s decision to impose a harsher sentence on activist Said Ait Mahdi highlights the government’s stringent measures against criticism regarding its earthquake recovery response. While authorities have made substantial efforts in reconstruction and financial support, the situation remains challenging for many survivors. Active engagement from local organizations continues to be essential in advocating for the needs of the affected families.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
