The head of the French diplomacy Jean-Yves Le Drian called Wednesday for the continuation of the reforms in Algeria, “
in the respect of the public freedoms
” and “
of the press
”, in the aftermath of a new wave of condemnations of demonstrators of Hirak .
Read also: Algeria: new wave of condemnations of Hirak demonstrators
“
The Algerian authorities have expressed the ambition to reform Algeria in depth, in a spirit of dialogue and openness which corresponds to the expectations which were expressed in the Hirak, in a peaceful manner and with dignity, by the Algerians. Our only wish is the success of the reforms for the benefit of Algeria and the Algerians
”, declared the Minister before the French Senate. "
It is up to Algerians, and to them alone, to set the terms of this destiny, in respect for public freedoms, in respect for freedom of expression, in respect for freedom of the press, to which France is attached everywhere in the world
”, he also added, while refusing any additional comment to fifteen days of elections in Algeria.
"
Repression
"
The minister had been questioned by the senator and former socialist minister Laurence Rossignol on "
the repression
" of the "
citizen and peaceful movement
" of protest against Hirak and the arrests and convictions of "
activists, citizens, journalists ...
".
A human rights NGO on Tuesday reported nearly 20 prison sentences, in the previous 24 hours, of people who tried to participate in Hirak marches.
Read also: Algeria: a Hirak march prevented, many arrests
More than 2,000 demonstrators were arrested, of whom nearly a hundred were taken into police custody and around sixty under arrest warrant, reported Saïd Salhi, vice-president of the Algerian League for the Defense of Human Rights. (LADDH), describing the situation as “
worrying
”.
To break down any opposition in the street before the legislative elections of June 12, the Interior Ministry decided to force the organizers of the Hirak marches - a movement without real leadership - to "
declare
" the demonstrations beforehand to the authorities. , which amounts to prohibiting them.
Since then, Hirak gatherings have been prevented in Algiers and in some cities, leading to waves of arrests across the country.
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