
A prominent Moroccan activist, who led protests against the government’s handling of the earthquake response, has been sentenced to prison. Said Ait Mahdi, 32, president of a key activist group in the Al Haouz region, received a three-month prison sentence on Monday.
Ait Mahdi’s conviction includes charges of defamation, assault, and inciting an unauthorized demonstration. His lawyer, Isaac Charia, confirmed the sentence and a fine of over $1,000.
The 6.8-magnitude earthquake in September 2023 devastated the region, killing nearly 3,000 people and damaging infrastructure. Despite government promises of recovery, many survivors still live in tents, and local protests accuse officials of mishandling the relief efforts.
Ait Mahdi’s case is the first of its kind, marking a harsh response to activism in the region. Protests continue, with demonstrators decrying the slow pace of reconstruction. Ait Mahdi’s legal team expressed relief over the three-month sentence, noting that similar cases typically result in longer terms.
Human rights organizations condemned the sentence, calling it politically motivated. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights described the arrest as an act of retaliation for Ait Mahdi’s outspoken criticism of the government’s response.
The charges against Ait Mahdi have been interpreted as an attempt to conceal government failures. The Local Coordination for the Defense of Freedoms and the Right to Organize criticized the use of “repressive tactics” against activists.
The earthquake’s destruction exacerbated long-standing regional inequalities, particularly in areas dominated by Morocco’s indigenous minority groups. Over 60,000 homes and 585 schools were damaged. While the government has pledged $11.5 billion for reconstruction, activists continue to demand urgent action.
Ait Mahdi’s trial drew large protests, with supporters calling for his immediate release. His supporters continue to rally for justice for earthquake victims and accountability for the government’s response.