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Algerian opposition forces condemn ‘arbitrary’ arrest of revolutionary leader

ALGERIAN opposition forces united in anger to demand the release of revolutionary leader Lakhdar Bouregaa from his “arbitrary” arrest yesterday.

His detention comes as part of escalating repression by Algeria’s armed forces who have targeted leading opposition politicians, particularly those associated with the Berber rights movement.

Mr Bouregaa served as a military leader in the historic Wilaya IV which, as a section of the Algerian National Liberation Front, played a prominent role in the country’s battle for independence from French colonialism.

He is a founding member of the Socialist Forces Front (FFS) which was formed by Hocine Ait Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou in 1963 to oppose the government of Ahmed Ben Bella.

An FFS statement said: “We denounce this arrest, which targets one of the few symbols of the glorious Algerian Revolution still alive, and we demand his immediate and unconditional release.”

Democratic and Social Union (UDS) spokesman Karim Tabbou warned that the Algerian authorities were trying to end the country’s revolution through “a mafia counter-revolution” characterised by violence and brutality.

But despite the increased arrests and oppression, the leader of the influential Berber Cultural Movement Djamel Zenati declared: “You can stop us. But you cannot stop the people’s march towards freedom.”

Algeria remains in political deadlock after mass protests forced the resignation of former president Abdelaziz Bouteflika in April after almost 20 years in power.

Demonstrations have been held every Friday for the past 18 weeks as the movement presses for those associated with the former regime — including interim President Abdelkader Bensalah and Prime Minister Noureddine Bedoui — to stand aside.

The head of Algeria’s armed forces General Ahmed Gaid Salah has denied holding any political ambitions but has escalated attacks against opposition figures in recent weeks.

Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) leader Mohcine Belabbas said that the jailing of members of his party and of other opposition groups was “part of a plan to sow fear, confusion and division among the ranks of the people.”

He warned of a “counter-revolution” led by Gen Salah but welcomed the broad solidarity movement.

A petition demanding Mr Bouregaa’s immediate release has gained thousands of signatures, including from lawyers, academics and political figures.

They expressed shock at the targeting of a figure associated with the Algerian independence movement and revolution.

The petition condemned the “almost daily repressive practices” of targeting opposition figures and warned of a threat to civil liberties.

Large demonstrations are expected in the capital Algiers on Friday to mark the 57th anniversary of Algerian independence.

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