Activists are on trial for criticizing slow earthquake aid

During New Year's Eve, snow blanketed camps in the area, freezing children and worsening despair for those still waiting for promised aid. [Getty]

Four Moroccan activists, including prominent Amazigh activist Said Ait Mehdi, face trial over their outspoken criticism of the government's “slow” reconstruction efforts after the devastating September 2023 earthquake.

Ait Mehdi, who has been detained since December 23, faces charges of defamation, insult, and spreading false allegations, according to his lawyer, Mohamed Nouini.

The other three, members of the Al Haouz Earthquake Victims Coordination, were charged with insulting public officials, but remain at large awaiting their appearance in court on January 6.

The case relates to complaints filed by local officials, who allegedly insulted her through social media posts.

The trial of the activists has raised concerns that even the act of questioning the state's approach to earthquake recovery will be met with punitive measures.

The Moroccan Association for the Support of Political Prisoners said: “We condemn the dangerous escalation of prosecutions and prosecutions targeting bloggers and activists, including Said Ait Mehdi and his companions.”

Slow and desperate reconstruction

More than a year after the earthquake that displaced at least 500,000 people in the Atlas Mountains, many families are still living in makeshift tents, braving the harsh winter conditions.

During New Year's Eve, snow blanketed camps in the region, leaving children frozen and adding to the desperation of those still waiting for promised aid, videos shared across social media showed.

The government pledged a $12 billion reconstruction plan, including direct payments of up to 140,000 dirhams for completely collapsed homes. However, activists say most families receive far less, and many are excluded from aid due to bureaucratic hurdles.

Last month, dozens of families protested outside Parliament during a session chaired by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch to demand answers.

No official engaged with the protesters, exacerbating frustrations over a perceived disconnect between government promises and facts on the ground.

The opposition Progress and Socialism Party called for the formation of an investigation mission to evaluate the transparency, speed and comprehensiveness of the government's recovery efforts. Allegations of corruption also emerged, with villagers accusing local authorities of manipulating funds.

In December, Moroccan Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced that his ministry had opened an investigation, revealing at least one official guilty of soliciting bribes to speed up the distribution of reconstruction funds.

For thousands still bracing for snow and cold in makeshift camps, answers – and action – can't come fast enough.

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