This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press-Youssef Adadad
The Algerian court of Oran has decided to accept the lawsuit filed against the Algerian-French writer Kamal Daoud and his wife, a psychiatrist, for exploiting the story of one of his patients in his latest novel, “Nymphs”, recently awarded . prestigious Goncourt literary prize in Paris. Reports indicate that the writer will soon be summoned for investigation, according to what the plaintiff’s lawyer said.
Human rights sources accuse Algerian authorities of being behind the affair, which some quarters see as an attempt to restrict freedom of expression and punish the writer known for his positions. opposition to the Algerian regime.
Critics of these measures say they represent a new stage of repression, after authorities had previously prevented the French publishing house that published the novel “Houriat” from participating in the Algiers International Book Fair, which reflects a shift in targeting the writer towards a legal struggle.
This measure comes at a sensitive time, in light of growing international and local criticism of the Algerian authorities, accused of restricting public freedoms and repressing opposition voices. Since the repression of the popular movement in which the masses demanded change, the Algerian regime has continued to pursue political activists and media figures through trials that human rights advocates consider “fabricated” and “malicious.” , because many of them were arrested on fragile grounds. costs and without respect for internationally approved legal standards.
In this context, lawyer Fatima Ben Braham declared during a press conference that “the public prosecutor has accepted the file”, confirming that Kamal Daoud and his wife will soon be summoned to confirm the charges against them.
She added: “If they do not appear, a judgment in absentia will be entered against them, and they cannot claim that they were not aware of the case in view of this media hype. »
This legal campaign against Kamal Daoud comes at a sensitive moment in Algeria’s history, when society is witnessing great political tensions due to the multiplication of violations of freedom of expression and the continued repression of voices of the opposition.
Many observers view these measures as part of a broader policy aimed at silencing opposition and critics in the country, especially as the Algerian regime continues to use the justice system as a tool to repress its opponents. .
