Algeria Suffers a Blow as France Releases Kabyle Activist Aksel Bellabbaci
In a major setback for the Algerian regime, French authorities have released Kabyle activist Aksel Bellabbaci, the vice-president of the “MAK” movement for Kabyle independence, after only one night in custody under an international arrest warrant issued by Algeria.
Bellabbaci’s release following a brief detention is a stark blow to the Algerian regime. Upon his exit from the French police station, Bellabbaci was greeted by a crowd of his supporters from the “MAK” movement led by Ferhat Mehani, the movement’s president, in a scene that reflects the broad popular support for the Kabyle cause and the Algerian opposition in exile.
Bellabbaci has been living in France for years and has also applied for political refugee status with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
He was arrested based on Algerian accusations of complicity in the 2021 forest fires, accusations that the movement has categorically rejected, viewing them as an attempt to settle political scores with the opposition.
These accusations have also come within the framework of a fierce crackdown, with Algeria classifying the “MAK” movement as a terrorist organization and sentencing several Kabyle activists to death, sparking a wave of international condemnation.
Therefore, Bellabbaci’s release constitutes a new scandal for the Algerian regime and weakens its position on the international scene, especially as pressure mounts on Algeria to respect human rights and freedoms.
This incident also shows the increase in international solidarity with the Kabyle cause and support for Algerian activists in the face of the dictatorial regime, which is facing a real dilemma. On the one hand, it faces internal challenges such as the rise of popular protests, and on the other hand, it faces international pressure demanding reforms and respect for human rights.
