An Algerian public prosecutor on Wednesday pushed for a fine up to $10,000 against a 2019 presidential candidate, a party leader and four political and rights activists facing charges for spurring ethnic clashes in the south between 2012 and 2014.
Clashes resulted in many deaths and injuries.
Presidential candidate for the 2019 Algerian vote Fethi Ghares told Asharq Al-Awsat that the prosecutor of the Ghardaia court (600 km south of the capital) had asked the court to carry out a one-year imprisonment sentence against him along with Hamid Farhi, and four human rights activists.
Ghares said the sentence was issued based on charges of “unauthorized gathering with arms,” “violating administrative decisions” and “insulting authorities.”
It is noteworthy that Ghares, 45, is a spokesman for the Democratic Movement, an offshoot of Algeria’s communist party.
Ghares, speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat said he accuses officials in power of “trying to get him to exit the presidential 2019 race.”
Interestingly, Ghares is the only defendant facing charges who expressed a desire for running in the 2019 elections. There is a nation-wide belief in Algeria that current President Abdelaziz Bouteflika will run and win a fifth term in office, despite his deteriorating health.
Charges pressed on “armed gatherings” are related to security measures undertaken by the local administration in the conflicted Algerian city, Ghardaia, to prevent gatherings and demonstrations that could lead to ethnic clashes.
The charge of “violating administrative decisions” is linked to administrative measures issued by Ghardaia governor to prevent any activity that potentially disrupts public order in the region.
There is no clear explanation behind charges on “insulting authorities,” which is usually directed in the event of abuse to a security body, or to senior officials.
It is noteworthy that the judge announced that the ruling will be issued on June 26.
