A heated controversy has erupted in the Algerian town of Bejaia over the expulsion of a former maquisard and his family from state-owned property they have occupied since 1963. The family was forcibly removed from their home and a plot of land near the city's port on Tuesday, following a court decision in favor of the local authorities. The news of the expulsion sparked widespread outrage among some residents, who have rallied around the family and accused the mayor of Bejaia of heartlessness, especially with winter approaching.
The expelled family, led by Cheikh Malek, a former Moudjahid, has been at the center of a long-standing dispute over the property. According to the mayor of Bejaia, Hocine Merzougui, the issue dates back to 2002, when the local authorities sent notices to the family to vacate the premises, but they refused. The case was taken to court in 2008, and despite an appeal, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the expulsion. Merzougui claims that he attempted to negotiate a settlement with the family, offering them the opportunity to occupy part of the land and cede another part, but they declined.
The mayor of Bejaia has strongly denied allegations that the expelled family's property will be turned into a bar, as claimed by some residents. Merzougui described these claims as "malicious" and "unfounded," and challenged those making these accusations to produce evidence to support their claims. He emphasized that his administration has acted in accordance with the law and that the expulsion was a court-ordered decision that could not be overturned.
The expulsion has sparked a wave of solidarity with the affected family, with many residents expressing their outrage on social media and in public gatherings. A local deputy who witnessed the expulsion claimed that the property will be allocated to another individual who plans to turn it into a bar, fueling further controversy. The incident has highlighted the complexities of property ownership and the challenges faced by local authorities in balancing competing interests.
In response to the backlash, Merzougui has sought to provide context and clarify the circumstances surrounding the expulsion. He explained that the family had been sent several notices to vacate the premises and that the court had ruled in favor of the local authorities. The mayor also emphasized that his administration has taken steps to support the expelled family and ensure their well-being.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of former maquisards and their families in Algeria. Cheikh Malek, the patriarch of the expelled family, is a respected figure in the community, and his expulsion has been seen as a blow to the town's social fabric. The local authorities have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with some accusing them of insensitivity and heavy-handedness.
The controversy surrounding the expulsion is ongoing, with many residents calling for a more compassionate approach to resolving the issue. The mayor of Bejaia has urged calm and emphasized that his administration is committed to finding a solution that balances the competing interests of all parties involved. The incident has highlighted the need for greater transparency and dialogue in addressing the complex social and economic challenges facing Algerian communities.
Key points
- The expulsion of the former maquisard and his family from state-owned property in Bejaia has sparked widespread controversy and outrage.
- The local authorities have faced criticism for their handling of the situation, with some accusing them of insensitivity and heavy-handedness.
- The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of former maquisards and their families in Algeria.
