Said Ait Mehdi, head of the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz, has been sentenced to three months in prison and fined 500 dirhams by the Marrakech Court. He is also mandated to pay 10,000 dirhams in compensation. Three other defendants were acquitted. Legal actions commenced following a complaint from a local authority in Tadafalt village.
The Marrakech Court of First Instance has imposed a three-month prison sentence on Said Ait Mehdi, who leads the Coordination of Earthquake Victims of Al-Houz. In addition to the imprisonment, Ait Mehdi faces a fine of 500 dirhams and is required to pay 10,000 dirhams in compensation to the involved civil party. Meanwhile, the court acquitted three other defendants associated with the same case. The legal challenges for Ait Mehdi commenced in December when the prosecutor initiated his detention, resulting in his imprisonment at Loudia prison.
Ait Mehdi confronted several allegations, including spreading false information detrimental to individuals’ private lives, defaming officials and organizations, and instigating criminal behavior through electronic media. The other accused individuals faced charges for allegedly insulting a public official. The law enforcement actions against these individuals stemmed from complaints filed by an authority officer in “Tadafalt” village, along with the successor of the Ajoukak commander, leading to their arrests.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by advocates for earthquake victims in Morocco, particularly in the context of legal repercussions that can arise from their activism. The tension between local authorities and community representatives underscores a delicate balance between ensuring public order and protecting the rights of individuals advocating for vulnerability in the wake of natural disasters. The legal framework under which these individuals were charged reflects a broader theme of governance and civil society dynamics within the country.
In summary, Said Ait Mehdi has been sentenced to three months in prison by the Marrakech Court, amid serious allegations concerning his conduct as an advocate for earthquake victims. While he faces significant penalties, three co-defendants were acquitted. This situation exemplifies the complexities faced by community leaders in navigating legal challenges related to their activism.
Original Source: en.yabiladi.com
