Algerian Authorities Want that Dialogue Gains Momentum

Arab World

January 3rd, 8:13am

Algiers - Boualem Goumrassa

Lakhdar Bouregaa after his release. AFP

Algerian authorities are sending appeasement messages to protesters to keep them engaged in the dialogue called for by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, observers said. One of the messages came with the release of Lakhdar Bouregaa, an 80-year old activist, who will still face trial in two months. Among other detainees freed on bail are a journalist and blogger in the east of the country in addition to more than 20 figures. A group of activists, Bouregaa’s family members and journalists gathered outside El Harrach prison awaiting the release of the protest “movement icon.” Bouregaa was arrested end of June after making statements in which he described the army as a “militia” and slammed late military chief Lieutenant general Ahmed Gaid Salah for the mass arrests of protesters. The Public Prosecution accused him of "taking part in a scheme to demoralize the army with the aim of harming the nation's defense". Upon his release, Bouregaa said that “Algeria is targeted.” He was transferred several times to a hospital outside prison because of his deteriorating health condition. Meanwhile, lawyers from Constantine announced that the journalist and blogger, Abdul Munji Khiladi, was released after staying in custody for months because of his ties to the opposition movement. Representative of Reporters Without Borders Khaled Drareni wrote that only one journalist arrested in October remains in prison. Although unconfirmed yet, activists spoke about the release of retired general Hussein Bin Hadid who was transferred to hospital due to health complications. Observers say that the new authority is taking such measures to persuade the protesters in participating in the dialogue proposed by the president to overcome the current crisis.

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2064481/algerian-authorities-want-dialogue-gains-momentum