MSP criticizes Algerian swimmer for celebrating with Zionist

The parliamentary block of MSP movement criticized Algerian swimmer Abdellah Ardjoune for celebrating medals winning with a swimmer from the Zionist entity.

“Algerian sportsmen have always showed the Algerian official and popular position towards the Palestinian cause. They boycott any game against the Zionist entity. Yet, in the 23rd edition of Comen Cup in Malta, Algerian swimmer Abdellah Ardjoune stood up with a swimmer from the Zionist entity and carried Algerian and Zionist flags,” said MSP movement in a release.

The movement held the sports ministry and the Algerian government responsible for the swimmer’s behaviour.

“This is a betrayal of national commitments inherited from martyrs and war veterans. The MSP’s parliamentary block condemns this behaviour,” it said.

The release warned against abandoning “Muslims’ central cause” and rejected all forms of normalization with Zionist entity.

“The movement calls on vital forces in society to be vigilant before opportunists start manipulating the State’s principles and interests,” it added.

Algerian sports minister Hadi Ould Ali received four national swimmers at Houari Boumediene Airport as they came back from Malta. 

In the 23rd session of Comen Cup, Ardjoune won two gold medals and broke a national record in the men’s 200 metre backstroke. The Algerian team won a bronze medal as well.