Release raises expectations for cancelled emergency in Algeria

For the third day, reactions to the release of Abbas Madani, the Islamic Salvation Front (ISF) leader, differ. Madani's release came after he had served 6 years of a 12-year-jail sentence.

El-Watan Newspaper reported that Madani had always refused to denounce violence, which has rocked Algeria for nearly six years. "The Islamists of the FIS are fanatics who considered any measure of mercy a sign of weakness," the paper said.

On the other hand, the Socialist Forces Front first secretary, Al-Seddiq Dabaili, described the release decision as one that will help moderate the political and security atmosphere in Algeria. If the government takes comprehensive moderate measures related to all Algerians, releases political prisoners and cancels the emergency act, security can be enhanced. The ISF general secretary considered the movement's leader release an important step towards a peaceful political dialogue, to which the nation aspires.

The reactions come amidst different political and party expectations. The Al Nahdah movement announced that this release would be followed by the release of Madani's colleague, Ali Belhag. Political sources also expected the cancellation of the state of emergency after the next local elections, scheduled for October 23.

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