Algeria removes pro-Hirak judge ahead of elections

LONDON - A famous Algerian judge, who had been suspended since December 2019 for supporting the pro-democracy Hirak movement, was struck off Sunday from the body of magistrates, according to a judicial source.

"The Superior Council of the Judiciary (CSM) decides to remove judge Saadeddine Merzoug from the body of magistrates," wrote Fetta Sadat, one of his lawyers, on her Facebook page.

Analysts say the latest move accentuates the Algerian regime’s ongoing purge of dissidents, opponents and Hirak activists ahead of the legislative elections in June 12.

Merzoug, spokesperson for the Magistrates' Club, an unregistered organization born in the wake of Hirak in 2019, was dismissed after his appearance before the CSM, in charge of "the appointments, transfers and promotions of magistrates" and disciplinary proceedings.

Accused of "violation of obligation of confidentiality," Merzoug is considered as one of the figures of the anti-regime protest movement within the judiciary. He can appeal this decision to the State Council, according to his lawyers.

Prosecutor Sid Ahmed Belhadi was also suspended from his functions for being pro-Hirak, according to local media.

The Hirak protest movement was sparked in February 2019 over president Abdelaziz Bouteflika's bid for a fifth term in office.

The ailing autocrat was forced to step down weeks later, but the Hirak has continued its demonstrations, demanding a sweeping overhaul of a ruling system in place since Algeria's independence from France in 1962.

Marches were suspended for around a year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but protesters have returned to the streets since February 13 as the movement regains momentum. 

While President Abdelmajid Tebboune has publicly praised the rallies as a moment of national renewal and offered dialogue with the movement, the security forces have detained protesters, drawing criticism from rights organisations.