Four Moroccan activists, including prominent Amazigh activist Said Ait Mahdi, are facing trial over their outspoken criticism of the government's reconstruction "slow" efforts after the devastating earthquake of September 2023.
Ait Mahdi, detained since 23 December, faces charges of defamation, insult, and spreading false allegations, according to his lawyer, Mohamed Nouini.
The three others, members of the El-Haouz Earthquake Victims' Coordination, are accused of insulting public officials but remain free pending their 6 January court appearance.
The case hinges on complaints filed by local officials, allegedly offended by social media posts.
The activists' prosecution has sparked fear that even the act of questioning the state's approach to the earthquake recovery will be met with punitive measures.
"We condemn the dangerous escalation of trials and prosecutions targeting bloggers and activists including Said Ait Mahdi and his fellows," said the Moroccan Association for the Support of Political Prisoners.
Slow reconstruction and despair
More than a year after the earthquake displaced at least 500,000 people in the Atlas Mountains, many families still live in makeshift tents, braving harsh winter conditions.
Over New Year's Eve, snow blanketed camps in the region, leaving children freezing and amplifying the despair of those still waiting for promised aid, showed videos shared over social media.
The government had pledged a $12 billion reconstruction plan, including direct payments of up to 140,000 dirhams for fully collapsed homes. However, activists say most families are receiving far less, and many are excluded from aid due to bureaucratic hurdles.
Dozens of families protested last month outside parliament during a session led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, demanding answers.
No officials engaged with the protesters, deepening frustrations over the perceived disconnect between government promises and the realities on the ground.
The opposition Progress and Socialism Party has called for an investigative mission to evaluate the transparency, speed, and inclusivity of the government's recovery efforts. Allegations of corruption have also surfaced, with villagers accusing local authorities of manipulating funds.
In December, Morocco's Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced that his ministry had opened an investigation, revealing at least one official guilty of soliciting bribes to expedite the distribution of reconstruction funds.
For the thousands still bracing against snow and cold in makeshift camps, answers—and action—cannot come soon enough.