A large crowd of citizens from Haïzer and neighboring regions gathered in front of the Bouira courthouse to demand the release of peaceful protesters who were arrested for defying an ban on demonstrations and waving the Amazigh flag in Algiers. The detained protesters include Hamza Karoun, Akbi Akli, and Lakhel Ali, who were taken into custody on Sunday and remanded to El Harrach prison for displaying a flag other than the national emblem.
The news of their arrest sparked widespread mobilization in the Ath Meddour region and beyond, with the town of Haizer coming to a standstill on Monday morning. All shops were closed, and a sit-in was organized in front of the courthouse, lasting over two hours. A delegation comprising parents of the detained protesters and a local elected official, M. Chaabane Meziane, met with the prosecutor general.
According to a member of the delegation, the prosecutor general's office stated that the Bouira court was not competent to handle the case, as the protesters were arrested in Algiers. However, the delegation was assured that their demands would be transmitted to the relevant authorities. The protesters then decided to organize a march to the wilaya headquarters to demand the release of the detained protesters.
The march drew large crowds, with multiple groups forming and joining the procession. As they walked through the city, the protesters chanted slogans, advocating for the recognition of Amazigh identity as a national constant enshrined in the Constitution. The march culminated in a gathering in front of the wilaya headquarters.
The protesters then proceeded to the main boulevard and eventually reached the public square in Bouira. The demonstration was a show of solidarity with the detained protesters and a call for the authorities to address the demands of the Amazigh community. Local authorities have not made any official statements regarding the protests or the detained protesters.
The protests in Haïzer reflect the ongoing tensions between the Algerian government and the Amazigh community, which has long advocated for greater recognition and rights. The detained protesters are being held on charges related to displaying a non-national flag, and their fate remains uncertain. The protests have highlighted the need for dialogue and understanding between the government and the Amazigh community.
Key points
- The protests in Haïzer were sparked by the arrest of three young men who were detained for waving the Amazigh flag during a banned demonstration in Algiers.
- The protesters are demanding the release of the detained protesters and greater recognition of Amazigh identity.
- The Algerian government has not made any official statements regarding the protests or the detained protesters.
