Madani's release raises questions in Algerian capital

The release of Islamist leader Abassi Madani sparked questions and uncertainty in Algeria on July 16, with some observers warning that his once-powerful Islamic Salvation Front (FIS) could not be trusted, but others believing the military-backed government is making a peace gesture to its Islamist foes.

"The Islamists of the FIS are fanatics who consider any measure of mercy a sign of weakness," said Al Watan newspaper, pointing out that Madani had always refused to denounce the spiraling violence which erupted after the government in January 1992 canceled a general election in which the FIS had taken a huge lead.

It said the FIS chief's release on Tuesday from a 12-year jail term imposed in 1992 was received "as a cold shower by Algerian democratic forces."

Liberte newspaper said that only hours after he was freed, Madani was closeted with former senior FIS men, including Abdelkhader Hachani who himself had only been freed last week.

According to the account of one of those he was speaking to, Madani, who was in very good health, reportedly gave his visitors a "very virulent speech railing against the authorities," the newspaper said.

The FIS leadership in exile on Tuesday welcomed Madani's release as a "definite and effective contribution to solving the crisis and returning to peace and stability."

Several Algerian commentators saw freeing Madani as a sign of confidence by the authorities as they headed towards local elections which some newspapers said would be held on October 23.

And other analysts saw it as an attempt by the government to make peace with FIS, one of the less fanatical parties that make up the Algerian Islamist opposition and one that enjoys considerable popular support.

More than half the town halls were taken over by the FIS when they won the country's first multi-party elections in 1990, but their councils were then immediately abolished and replaced by government appointees. Violence ensued across the country as a result of the government's action.

While the FIS has refused to denounced the violence, the party's militants have generally taken a back seat in the five-year-old insurgency. The Armed Islamic Group (GIA) is mostly blamed for orchestrating the gruesome killings that have wreaked havoc in the countryside and, to a lesser extent, in the capital.

Al Hayat reported on July 16 that Madani told a senior FIS member in Brussels by telephone, "My release was not part of any deal... I went out (of jail) without any conditions, and I did not sign any pledge."

The London-based paper quoted FIS member Ahmed al-Zawi as saying he phoned Madani shortly after his unexpected release on Tuesday. Zawi said Algerian authorities did not put any restrictions on Madani's "political freedom."

He said their only request was that he give a verbal pledge not to leave Algeria without permission. Madani refused.

But Asharq al-Awssat said Madani did in fact sign a document spelling out conditions for his release, the most important of which was that he stay out of politics until 2003, when his prison term was due to have ended. The London-based paper did not give a source.

Algerian political parties reported by Liberte, mostly saw the release as a step towards restoring stability. The former sole ruling National Liberation Front (FLN), now a junior member of the coalition government formed after the June 5 general election, said it supported any measure favoring a return to calm and the end of violence.

The Islamist-leaning Movement for a Peaceful Society, also a member of government with seven posts, said freeing Madani was a step towards easing Algeria's situation. "We hope this measure will serve the security and stability of the citizens," a spokesman said.

Madani's more radical vice-president Ali Belhaj was still in prison on July 16. There was no indication that his release might be imminent.

Please bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin. Apply for a sales or marketing job!