Demonstrations in Algeria over implementation of Arabic language law

A law obliging the use of Arabic as Algeria's official language took effect on Sunday, meeting with demonstrations and disorder in Tezi Ozo as a protest against the law and the assassination of Berber singer Matoub Lounes on June 25.

The chief of the Socialist Forces Front, Hussein Ayat Ahmed, urged on the demonstration, which he severely criticized in statements to reporters yesterday, saying, "The Arabic language is only used by a minority in Algeria. The majority who occupy executive posts are using the French language, and implementing this law will lead to great problems.

The law's opposition consider it an effort to prevent the spread of the Berber (or Tamazight) language while the law's supporters believe that it brings back consideration to the Arabic language which they feel has been marginalized since Algeria's independence, 36 years ago.