The National Committee for the Release of Detainees, an association that supports detainees in Hirak, speaks of an “incredible and unacceptable” phrase. According to the CNLD, 60 people are currently being detained for actions related to the Algerian protest movement.
The heaviest of the sentences uttered this Sunday relates to Brahim Laalami. Prosecuted in seven cases, he received a total of three years in prison and a fine of one million dinars or more than 6,000 euros, according to the National Committee for the Release of Detainees.
Brahim Laalami is a young tailor who is known to have gone out alone, with signs of a possible fifth term for former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. That was in February 2019, a few days before the start of the Hirak protests. Last July, he was already sentenced to 18 months in prison, especially for contempt of an official, before being released following a reduced sentence.
Another sentence pronounced on Sunday in Bejaia: former deputy Khaled Tazaghart, arrested the day before and presented for immediate action. He was accused of encouraging gatherings and posting on social networks that undermined public order.
Activists see these statements as a way for the Algerian authorities to counter a possible resumption of the protest movement. In fact, the weekly marches have been suspended since last March due to the health situation.
.
