Algeria accuses Macron of ‘blatant interference’
Algeria has accused French President Emmanuel Macron of interfering their domestic affairs as tensions between the two nations reach new heights.
The Middle East Monitor reported on January 7th that Macron criticized Algeria for the detention of Boualem Sansal, a Franco-Algerian writer detained under charges of “undermining national unity and territorial integrity”.
Macron stated Sansal’s arrest occurred in “a disgraceful manner”, and that whilst in detention he has been prevented from receiving medical treatment – according to the Middle East Monitor – which would be a violation of International Law.
However, Algeria’s People’s National Assembly said Macron’s remarks were “irresponsible” and “an affront to Algeria’s sovereignty and dignity”.
They said that Macron’s statements were an “overt attempt to tarnish the image of Algeria and its sovereign institutions”.
It is a violation of Algeria’s sovereignty for a state – its former colonial state, at that – to interfere, or make comments on, a legal case still under judicial review.
The Assembly called on Macron and fellow French institutions to respect the principles of international relations: sovereignty and mutual respect.
They added, “Algeria, which endured horrific violations during the French colonial era, will not accept external lessons on these matters”.
With tensions rising, France and Algeria are now engaged in a war of mutual reprisals.
This case of public hostility between the two nations follows the recent events of French authorities arresting Algerian social media influencers under terrorism and incitement to violence charges.
So far, French authorities have arrested: Youssef Zazou, Nouman Boualem, and Imad Obi, reported by Atalayar.
These activists, according to a Atalayar, “have played a key role as social and political arms of the Algerian authorities” by inciting violence towards opposition figures of the Algerian regime.
It appears the French authorities are “trying to weaken the power of the Algerian authority on its territory, seeking to curb its social and political influence”.
Middle East Monitor, Atalayar
