Ismaïl Snabi, hostage of the absurd in Algeria

Ismaïl Snabi, a 28-year-old Frenchman of Moroccan origin, endured an unimaginable ordeal in Algeria. What was supposed to be a simple vacation with friends turned into a nightmare, marked by the violence and arbitrariness of the Algerian regime. His poignant testimony, collected by Le Monde, lifts the veil on the heightened tensions between Algeria and Morocco, and denounces the serious human rights violations committed by the Algerian authorities.

It all begins on August 29, 2023, when Ismaïl and his three friends, Bilal Kissi, Mohammed and Abdelali Mchiouer, are enjoying a sunny day in Saïdia. Riding their jet skis, they decide to go to Cap-de-l’Eau for a lunch with their feet in the water. The day passes peacefully, between swimming and photos shared on Snapchat.