Algeria: the trial of Karim Tabbou for undermining the morale of the army has begun

A protester shows the portrait of Karim Tabbou in January 2020 © AFP

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In Algeria, the trial of Karim Tabbou opened on Monday, after several postponements.

The president of the small unapproved opposition party UDS and one of the Hirak figures appeared free in front of the Koléa court.

He is accused of undermining the morale of the army. 

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The prosecutor requested three years in prison and a 100,000 dinar fine, the equivalent of 650 euros, against Karim Tabbou.

The lawyers then began their oral arguments at midday.

They are several dozen to defend the opponent and figure of Hirak whose portrait was brandished during the protests of the protest movement born in February 2019, which resulted in the resignation of former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika. 

These weekly protests ended last March, due to the coronavirus, and they have not resumed since.

Convicted in another case

Karim Tabbou, 47, is on trial for undermining the morale of the army, because of statements critical of the army, and the regime, during a meeting in May 2019 in Kherrata.

For these facts, he was arrested in September 2019

two weeks later, and placed under judicial supervision.

Karim Tabbou has since been prosecuted in another case.

Last March,

for undermining national unity.

He has been on parole since July 2, after 9 months in detention.

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• Algeria

• Justice