The man who tore Algeria flag must appear in court, say Moroccan associations

Moroccan human rights associations called for not falling in conflict trap after a man had torn the Algerian flag, saying this is an unacceptable behavior and unprecedented act in the Algerian-Moroccan history.

Member of the Rabat-based Moroccan Association for Human Rights told Echorouk said he is sorry for the attack on the Algerian consulate in Casablanca. “What happened is an isolated, personal and irresponsible act. The Moroccan people have nothing to do with it and it does not express their real feelings about Algeria.”

He added that relations between the Algerian and Moroccan people are “stronger” than the irresponsible isolated act carried out by an activist.

“The past of the relations between the two countries is honorable and they are stronger and bigger than this behavior,” he added.

He called on Moroccan authorities to open an immediate investigation into the act, saying bilateral relations can not be hit by that accident.

“I wonder why the man who tore the Algerian flag was released.”

Earlier, Hamid Naanaa, an activist at the Royal Youth’s Movement entered the Algerian consulate and tore the national flag. He was arrested and had been jailed for 24 hours.

“The Moroccan authorities should have prosecuted him.”

General Secretary of the Human Rights National Observatory Association Abdellah Methbat said the act is unacceptable as Morocco did not respect Algeria and did not ensure the safety of its employees.

“What happened is no more than comedy we have got used to see it in other countries,” he told Echorouk on the phone on Monday.

Asked about the release of Hamid Naanaa, he refused to make any comment, saying it is part of freedom of opinion.