Belaïz: Ibadites and Malékites praise police in Ghardaia

Algerian interior minister Tayeb Belaiz refused to make comments about the decision of some political parties to boycott the presidential elections due to be held in April, saying no interference is acceptable regarding their affairs.

“I can’t make a comment about the boycott decision because it is an internal affair. Parties are free and have the right to either participate or not in such events,” said Belaiz.

This comes as Algeria’s MSP, RCD and the Front of Development and Justice announced that they will boycott the elections while others warned to do the same thing if Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika runs for a fourth term.

Speaking about recent violence in the province of Ghardaia, the minister said some policemen committed crimes during the clashes and will have to be introduced in justice in accordance with legal procedures.

“If there were crimes committed by some policemen in Ghardaia, they are isolated and individual. They do not represent all the police. We opened an investigation into allegations against them,” he said.

“If the investigation shows that the crimes were really committed, administrative sanctions will be taken. Criminals will be introduced into justice in conformity to the law,” he added.

According to Belaiz, Ghardaia’s notables praised the professionalism of security forces in dealing with the situation.