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The Algerian authorities claim to be waging a war against the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), labeled a terrorist organization in 2021. However, among the more than a thousand Kabyle political prisoners, many have no connection to the MAK. Furthermore, there is no justification for imprisoning Kabyle independence activists, as their struggle is peaceful, and therefore, they cannot reasonably be labeled as terrorists. Meanwhile, true terrorists, those responsible for the massacres of Algerians during the Black Decade, walk free.
Ordinary citizens, artists, journalists, and cultural activists find themselves imprisoned for expressing opinions, participating in peaceful gatherings, posting on social media, or even liking posts by others advocating for basic human dignity. This targeted repression reveals an obsession with suppressing a people whose affirmation of their identity is seen as a threat.
The summer of 2021 was a tragic turning point. The forest fires that devastated Kabylia were quickly exploited to justify intensified repression. Authorities hastily blamed the MAK and Kabyle citizens for the fires. Yet, substantial evidence points to a criminal origin, seemingly orchestrated to further stigmatize the Kabyle population and rationalize the arrests of hundreds of individuals, often without credible proof.
The so-called “crime of being Kabyle” is a glaring manifestation of entrenched institutional racism. The Kabyle people, carriers of a rich culture and unique language, are marginalized and criminalized simply for their identity. These discriminatory practices only deepen the divide between Kabylia and the rest of Algeria, fueling feelings of injustice and rejection.
The international community cannot remain silent in the face of these abuses. The voices condemning these violations, both within Algeria and abroad, must be amplified. Freedom of expression, respect for cultural rights, and recognition of diversity are not threats to national unity but are instead pillars that could strengthen the country’s cohesion.
By persisting in this blind repression, the Algerian regime risks turning a legitimate protest into a lasting conflict. The victims of this crackdown, whether activists or ordinary citizens, deserve justice and recognition. It is urgent to end this policy of stigmatization and intimidation and to embrace dialogue and mutual respect.
TSK - All About Kabylia