In Algeria, Karim Tabou, a Hirak figure, is still a target of justice

A new episode in a long series of lawsuits in Algeria. A Hirak figure, the popular movement launched in 2019 to block former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s (1999-2019) fifth term, Karim Tabou, was placed under judicial supervision on Thursday, May 25, after two nights in police custody. He is facing four charges, but his lawyers have no further details. “Our client was presented alone and vulnerable. “We still don’t know what his file contains.”told the world Tufik Belala, member of the defense collective.

Karim Tabou, the coordinator of the unauthorized Democratic and Social Union (UDS) party, was arrested on Tuesday by plainclothes agents in the Algerian Wilaya town of Deli Brahim. “We don’t know which institution it belongs to.” [ceux qui l’ont interpellé] »warned on the same day M^e Bella. A few hours after his arrest, Karim Tabu was able to call his family and security to inform them that he had been taken into police custody. Alerted by lawyers, the prosecutor at Bir Murad Rice’s trial said he had no knowledge of the case.

“More than 48 hours have passed since the arrest of the political opponent Karim Tabu, we still do not know who arrested him, nor the competent court. before whom he will appear, once again warned M^e Bella on Facebook: “Therefore, we believe that his arrest and imprisonment are against the law. […] It is an act of political motivation […] Therefore, we demand his immediate release. »

After two nights in police custody, the 50-year-old was finally brought before a court in Colléa, about thirty kilometers west of Algiers, on Thursday. After being presented to the prosecutor, he was presented to the investigating judge, who decided to put him under judicial supervision. His lawyers learned of the decision only after he had left court, following a phone call from their client.

Program with Montsef Marzouki

M^e Belala, Karim Tabu is a criminal prosecution “On May 7, together with the former president of Tunisia, Monsef Marzouki, for participating in the program of the channel “Al Magharibiya”. Al Magharibia, which broadcasts from abroad, was founded by Osama Madani, the son of the late Abbasi Madani, who was the former chairman of the Islamic Salvation Front (FIS). As for Moncef Marzouki, he led Tunisia from 2011-2014 after the fall of Zine El-Abidine Ben Ali. Now an opponent of the current head of state, Kai Said, he has repeatedly made provocative remarks against Algeria and President Abdelmajid Teboun, whom he accuses of meddling in Tunisian affairs.

Since the beginning of Hirak, Karim Tabu has been in the eye of justice several times. In March 2020, he was sentenced to one year in prison (including six months) for “undermining national integrity”. Because of a video published on his party’s Facebook page, where he criticizes the interference of the military in political affairs. His sentence was increased on appeal two days before his release, forcing him to remain behind bars until July 2020.

According to the National Committee for the Liberation of Detainees (CNLD), dozens of people associated with Hirak or the defense of individual liberties are currently in prison in Algeria.