Algeria arrests historian amidst UAE tensions and controversial Amazigh remarks
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Following its statement targeting the United Arab Emirates, Algeria has arrested historian Mohamed Amine Belghit. He is accused of «undermining national unity», «inciting hatred», and «using information technology for propaganda that harms human dignity», according to a statement from the public prosecutor.
«His remarks run counter to constitutional values relating to national unity, state sovereignty, and social cohesion», the statement added. After appearing before an investigating judge, Belghit was placed in provisional detention.
In an interview aired on April 28 by the Emirati channel Sky News Arabia, Belghit claimed that the Amazigh movement was «created by French and Zionist intelligence services».
Yesterday, the High Commission for Amazighity (HCA), an official body, condemned his comments. In a statement, the HCA denounced the remarks as «hate speech» that falls outside the bounds of free expression, calling them «a betrayal of the martyrs' memory» and «an affront to the spirit of November 1st». Officially recognized political parties such as the Socialist Forces Front (FFS) and the Rally for Culture and Democracy (RCD) also voiced their outrage.
The arrest of a figure previously considered close to the regime comes as Algeria has declared a state of general mobilization. The support of the Kabyle population is seen as crucial by the government in Algiers. In response, Ferhat Mehenni, president of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylie (MAK), stated that «Kabylie is not concerned by the general mobilization».
As a reminder, Algeria has previously accused Morocco, France, and Israel of financially and militarily backing Kabyle separatist claims.
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