Marrakech Court Sentences Earthquake Victims’ Advocate to Prison

Said Ait Mehdi, head of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz, was sentenced to three months in prison and fined by the Marrakech Court of First Instance. He faced multiple charges related to harming reputations and inciting criminal acts. Three other co-defendants were acquitted following these proceedings.

The Marrakech Court of First Instance has imposed a sentence of three months of imprisonment upon Said Ait Mehdi, the head of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz. In addition to the prison term, Ait Mehdi was required to pay a fine of 500 dirhams as well as 10,000 dirhams in compensation to the involved civil party. The court also acquitted three co-defendants in this case.

Said Ait Mehdi’s legal troubles originated in December when prosecutors initiated his detention, resulting in his imprisonment at the Loudia local prison. He faced multiple accusations, including disseminating false information with the intent to damage individuals’ reputations, insulting public officials, and inciting criminal activities via electronic media. The co-defendants were specifically charged with the insult of a public official.

The individuals’ arrests were precipitated by a formal complaint from an authority representative in the village of Tadafalt, located in the Ighil community, alongside the successor of the Ajoukak commander. The ramifications of this case highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the legal treatment of advocates for earthquake victims in Morocco.

The case involving Said Ait Mehdi underscores the challenges faced by advocates in Morocco, particularly those representing earthquake victims. Legal actions against human rights defenders and civic leaders have raised significant concerns regarding freedom of expression and due process. As the public calls for accountability in the wake of natural disasters grow louder, the treatment of advocates such as Ait Mehdi illustrates the complex interplay between authority and activism in contemporary Morocco.

In conclusion, the sentencing of Said Ait Mehdi to three months in prison, along with a financial penalty, reflects the broader issues of legal accountability and advocacy in Morocco. While three other accused were acquitted, the case raises important questions about the treatment of individuals fighting for the rights of disaster victims. This incident serves as a crucial reminder of the need for safeguarding civic engagement and free speech.

Original Source: en.yabiladi.com