Algerian Interior Minister Kamal Beldjoud accused activists of the Hirak movement of “trying to return the country to the past”, in reference to the tragedies caused by terrorism.
Beldjoud said that after his election, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune was committed to meet the demands of the movement.
“However, some members are willing and working to destroy the movement’s accomplishments,” he remarked.
Many officials believe that the movement’s most important achievement was the departure of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, but some Hirak activists consider this insufficient.
“We are in a new republic. Those people (demonstrators) have clear intentions to demolish the country, return it to previous years, and throw it in every way into problems. For this, I invite citizens to be vigilant, and to support their president,” the Interior minister said.
He continued: “There are foreign entities that support well-known elements seeking to destroy Algeria.”
The minister’s remarks reflected the government’s displeasure with the continuation of the movement. However, this position comes in complete contradiction with Tebboune’s stance since he came to power on December 19, as he affirmed several times that he respected the movement and did not have any objection to the continuation of protests.
Observers saw in Beldjoud’s remarks as an indication of an upcoming decision to ban street protests. The authorities may find the threat that the Corona virus poses to the health of Algerians as a cover to prevent the movements. The Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday the closure of football courts and other measures.
Meanwhile, the Judiciary put journalist Khaled Drareni under judicial supervision, after accusing him of “harming national unity.”
Abdel-Ghani Badi, the journalist’s lawyer, said that the Judiciary accused him of “unlicensed gathering” and “harming national unity.”
Drareni, a French TV reporter, expressed his gratitude to all who stood in solidarity with him.
