The Msila court in eastern Algeria sentenced a top government official, Rabah Drif, to six months in prison for attacking one of the Algerian revolution’s prominent martyrs, Abane Ramdane.
Drif, Msila’s director of culture and a well-known screenwriter, was ordered arrested by the same court on January 14, following a complaint from Ramdane’s family.
Earlier, Drif wrote a critical post on his social media account accusing Ramdane of “betraying his comrades in arms” and “collaborating with the French occupation.”
Drif was responding to director Bachir Drais who is a known enthusiast of Ramdane and his revolutionary role.
The prosecution sought two years in prison against Drif, and a symbolic fine in Algerian dinars.
In 1957, the intelligence assassinated Ramdane in Morocco, where he was on a mission.
Drif was charged with sharing a post that harms the national interest and the safety and unity of the country. His prison term is due to expire in June.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has ordered the removal of Drif from his post.
Drif’s imprisonment sparked legal and political controversy and led to legal action to pass a law criminalizing racism and hate speech.
Observers said that expressing opinions should not lead to prison sentences. In addition, the Algerian Penal Code does not refer to sentences for making statements, even if they were directed at a prominent figure in society.
Meanwhile, political activist Karim Tabbou urged Hirak members to avoid gathering in front of the prison, where he has been jailed for the past six months, to welcome his release next Thursday in order to “preserve public health,” according to a letter published by his lawyers.
Tabbou addressed his supporters, saying he is certain they would want to welcome him, but social distancing has been imposed to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, asking them to respect the government's instructions and avoid gathering on the occasion of his release from prison.
Tabbou was arrested last October, following sharp statements against the army and its commander at the time, Ahmed Gaid Saleh, over the arrest of activists.
