Mohamed Gharbi Released

Veteran Mohamed Gharbi who was convicted to death sentence after killing a repentant, has been released on Tuesday.

Mr Gharbi 73 years old was arrested in February 2001 over the charge of killing the so called Ali Merad, a former member of the Islamist Salvation Army (AIS). He was tried and convicted to death penalty. 

He served 10 years, before being released on Tuesday under pardon decree of President Bouteflika, on the occasion of the celebrations of the Independence Day. 

To recall, Mr Gharbi was convicted to 20 years sentence, and when he appealed the ruling in June 2009, he was condemned to death penalty. 

In 22 July, the Supreme Court has rejected the appeal formulated by Gharbi’s attorney, and yet confirmed the death penalty against him. 

This case has provoked controversy, and a support group had been set up to urge authorities releasing Mohamed Gharbi, given that he is a moudjahid (veteran fighter) who combated the colonial France, and then participated in the fight against terrorism in the 90’s.