“Algeria liberated itself with the weapons of Morocco”

Guest on the “Al Magharibia” television channel, Algerian Islamist Ali Belhadj, vice-president of the Islamic Salvation Front, harshly criticized the authorities of his country following the militarization of the festivities marking the 70th anniversary of the Liberation Revolution , claiming that “these celebrations were not popular; they were simply a celebration of a military ruling class, nothing more, nothing less.”

“I remember when I was a child there was a popular feeling; all the families, spontaneously, hung Algerian flags on the balconies and windows, and everything took place in a natural and spontaneous way… But, over the years, the military institution took control of the political decision, became guardian of the people and monopolized these celebrations for herself,” said Ali Belhadj, currently under house arrest in Algeria. According to the Algerian Islamist, this celebration was an opportunity for the Algerian military regime to demonstrate the country’s military capabilities. “The proof is that Abdelmadjid Tebboune, during these celebrations, was content to follow Saïd Chengriha, the army chief of staff, who was the “boss” and the real holder of power; while Tebboune was just a facade, nothing more.”