Algerian Lawyers File Complaint Against Deputy for Hate Speech

The Barreau de Béjaïa, a group of lawyers in Algeria's Béjaïa province, has filed a complaint against Deputy Naïma Salhi for allegedly promoting hate speech and racial intolerance. The lawyers, who held a meeting at the Béjaïa Courthouse, expressed concern over the arrest of citizens who participated in a June 21, 2019, march while carrying cultural symbols. These symbols, the lawyers argue, represent the protesters' cultural identity and affiliation with Tamazgha.

According to the lawyers, the arrested protesters were charged with serious offenses, which they claim is an infringement on individual and collective rights. The lawyers stated that the display of cultural symbols does not threaten national unity and is not punishable by law. They also criticized Salhi for her comments, which they believe incite hatred and division among the Algerian people.

The Barreau de Béjaïa strongly condemns the arrest of the protesters and demands their immediate release. The lawyers also called for total independence of the judiciary and rejected the use of justice for personal or political gain. They emphasized their commitment to defending citizens who have been unfairly arrested.

The complaint against Salhi includes charges of racism, apology for racial hatred, and infringement on national unity. The lawyers' union also denounced Salhi's campaign, which they described as insidious and divisive. They expressed concern that Salhi's actions have gone unpunished despite her inflammatory rhetoric.

In response to the situation, the Barreau de Béjaïa organized a one-day strike and a rally at the Béjaïa Courthouse. The lawyers' union emphasized that the Algerian identity, as enshrined in the Constitution, cannot be denied or compromised. They argued that cultural symbols and identity are essential aspects of Algerian culture.

The Barreau de Béjaïa's actions reflect a broader concern about the protection of human rights and freedoms in Algeria. The lawyers' union emphasized its commitment to upholding the law and defending citizens' rights. They also called for an end to the instrumentalization of justice for political purposes.

The situation in Béjaïa highlights tensions between cultural identity and national unity in Algeria. The Barreau de Béjaïa's complaint against Salhi is a significant development in this context. The outcome of the complaint and the fate of the arrested protesters remain to be seen.

Key points

• The Barreau de Béjaïa has filed a complaint against Deputy Naïma Salhi for hate speech and racial intolerance.
• The lawyers' union demands the immediate release of protesters arrested for displaying cultural symbols.
• The Barreau de Béjaïa calls for total independence of the judiciary and an end to the instrumentalization of justice.