Algeria: new demonstration against the repression of "Hirak"

A new anti-regime demonstration took place Wednesday in Algeria before a court in Kabylia (north-east), despite the pandemic of Covid-19, to demand the release of a militant of the popular protest movement (" Hirak ") , according to videos posted on social networks.

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This rally in Béjaïa comes shortly after a similar demonstration Sunday near Tizi Ouzou, another city in Kabylia, and while the mobilizations of " Hirak " are suspended because of the health crisis. Any form of gathering has been prohibited since mid-March to combat the spread of the new coronavirus, whether it be political, religious, cultural or sporting, an epidemic requires. " Release the hostages ", " Down with the regime, you are illegitimate!" "Chanted a few dozen demonstrators assembled in front of the Béjaïa courthouse, according to videos posted on social networks.

Wearing protective masks for the most part, the protesters displayed posters of support for an activist of " Hirak ", Malek Berdache, placed under arrest warrant on May 6, according to the National Committee for the Release of Detainees (CNLD) , a solidarity association. Malek Berdache was to be tried on Wednesday, according to the CNLD. The videos could not be independently verified by AFP.

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On Sunday, despite the ban on demonstrations, hundreds of people marched in the rural commune of Tizi Gheniff, near Tizi Ouzou. They denounced the summoning by the police of five young opponents, according to other images relayed on social networks. Faced with the multiplication of summons and arrests, sporadic mobilisations are multiplying inside the country, according to publications on social networks.

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Since the beginning of the epidemic in early March and the forced cessation of the “ Hirak ” demonstrations , citizens and human rights organizations denounce the repression which, despite the health risks, is waging against political opponents, journalists and independent media but also against young Internet users who post their opinions on Facebook. Algeria has officially registered to date more than 6,250 cases of contamination and 522 deaths due to Covid-19 disease.