HIBAPRESS has learned that the Algerian authorities' announcement of the arrest of 61 Moroccans in the city of Oran, including a former soldier, on charges of preparing for sabotage, has raised a wave of questions about the background of this case, especially in light of information indicating that those concerned were on their way to the Algerian coasts, which are considered one of the departure points for irregular migration journeys towards Europe.
This incident brings back to the forefront accusations directed at the Algerian regime of using controversial security narratives in dealing with Moroccan cases, at a time when clear and convincing evidence was expected to be presented to public opinion instead of merely issuing serious accusations.
According to the disseminated details, the detainees arrived by air in Tunisia, before crossing the forests of El Kala on foot towards Oran. The announced information indicated the seizure of passports and sums of money in Algerian dinars and euros, without mentioning the confiscation of weapons or explosives. These details raise question marks about the basis on which the narrative of preparing for sabotage was founded, and fuel the doubts of critics of the Algerian authorities regarding the possibility of turning an irregular migration file into a security issue with serious implications.
If there is actual evidence of planning sabotage, publishing and clarifying its nature remains the best way to dispel doubts, instead of leaving room for interpretations and mutual accusations.
This case does not appear to be isolated from a previous incident that occurred in Oran about five months ago, when the arrest of 67 Moroccans was announced in a case then presented as being linked to an international criminal network, before the discussion around it became associated with the phenomenon of illegal immigration.
Critics believe that the repetition of such narratives raises fears of exploiting security files to concoct scenarios that inflate suspicions surrounding Moroccans, and turning young people whose motive might be seeking an opportunity to emigrate into defendants in serious cases.
