Activists in Morocco Face Charges Amid Calls for Faster Earthquake Recovery
Four Moroccan activists, including Said Ait Mahdi, face court for allegedly defaming officials post-earthquake. Ait Mahdi is in custody while others await trial. Activists push for faster reconstruction efforts in quake-affected areas. The Moroccan government has begun issuing permits for rebuilding, part of an $11.7 billion plan.
On Monday, four activists advocating for victims of the 2023 earthquake in Morocco faced court proceedings in Marrakech, facing defamation charges, as stated by their lawyer, Mohamed Nouini. Lead activist Said Ait Mahdi, who has been in custody for a week, faced allegations that included defamation and insult, linked to social media posts offensive to local officials. The remaining three activists, also charged with insulting public officials, remain free pending trial. Ait Mahdi’s group has been vocal in demanding expedited reconstruction efforts for the devastated regions, particularly Al Haouz province, which suffered significantly during the earthquake that claimed nearly 3,000 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes. As of early December, authorities had issued approximately 57,000 reconstruction permits, with over 35,000 homes completed or under construction. The Moroccan government has initiated a five-year reconstruction plan with an estimated budget of $11.7 billion, of which $740 million is earmarked to aid affected families in rebuilding their homes.
On September 8, 2023, Morocco experienced a catastrophic earthquake that registered a magnitude of 6.8, severely affecting the Al Haouz province near Marrakech. This disaster left nearly 3,000 fatalities and thousands more injured, razing tens of thousands of homes, and rendering many families homeless in harsh conditions. The Moroccan government announced an extensive reconstruction plan to address the aftermath, directing funds to not only rebuild infrastructure but also to support individuals displaced by the quake. Given this context, the activists’ actions highlight the urgent need for rebuilding and the challenges they face in advocating for victims amid alleged governmental pushback.
In conclusion, the court proceedings against activists advocating for earthquake victims in Morocco spotlight significant tensions between local authorities and advocacy groups. The charges of defamation and insults appear to stem from the activists’ vocal criticism regarding the slow reconstruction efforts following the devastating earthquake. As the Moroccan government continues its reconstruction initiatives, the activists’ future and their ability to push for more robust support for victims remain precarious yet critical for ensuring that the affected communities receive the necessary aid and resources.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
