Algeria: release of Walid Kechida, the Hirak supporter sued for memes
Internet user and Hirak supporter Walid Kechida (center) was released after 9 months in detention.
(illustrative image) STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN AFP / File
Text by: RFI Follow
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After nine months of detention, Walid Kechida is now free.
The young Hirak activist was prosecuted for memes, diverted images posted on social networks, mocking the Algerian authorities and religion.
It has become for many a symbol of the restriction of freedoms.
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Images of Walid Kechida libre circulated on social networks on Sunday evening.
Some showed him being carried by a group of people when he was released from prison in Sétif, in north-western Algeria.
The 25-year-old activist saw his sentence reduced on Sunday during his appeal trial: one year in prison, including six months closed and a fine of 30,000 dinars, the equivalent of 180 euros.
The prosecution had required three years, the
sentence handed down at first instance
.
He was therefore able to leave prison, since he has already spent nine months in detention.
Walid Kechida is a supporter of Hirak, the protest movement born in February 2019. He was prosecuted for insulting the president, the precepts of Islam and contempt of body for having published humorous memes on social networks.
His defense and his supporters denounced an empty file, unfounded prosecutions and therefore demanded his acquittal.
According to CNLD figures, around 80 people are currently detained in connection with Hirak or individual freedoms in Algeria.
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