The Diplomat
The Spanish government yesterday praised the release of several Algerian activists linked to the popular protest movement Hirak, announced by Algerian President Abdel Medjid Tebboune.
In a communiqué issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it “welcomes” the release of the activists, “a measure – it notes – a measure that had been demanded by broad sectors of the opposition and public opinion in Algeria”.
Among those released are the journalist Khaled Drarem and the politician and former candidate for the Algerian presidency Rachid Nekkaz.
According to the communiqué, the Spanish government hopes that the decision “will contribute to the widening of the political space in Algeria, which is heading towards the holding of new legislative elections, as announced by President Tebboune on February 18”.
Months of demonstrations by Hirak in favor of a renewal of the country’s political system led Tebboune this week to dissolve Parliament and declare early elections.
Finally, the Spanish Executive stresses that Algeria is “a strategic partner” and reiterates its willingness to continue collaborating with the neighboring country “to promote its political and economic development and its stability for the benefit of both our countries”.
