Just under a week before the Algerian presidential elections, authorities in Tlemcen announced a “new achievement,” claiming to have dismantled a spy and intelligence network aimed at undermining national security, consisting of three Moroccans. This announcement comes as part of what is known as the usual “drum heating” process that precedes elections.
Mustafa Loubar, the public prosecutor at the Tlemcen court, revealed in a press conference that the discovery of the network followed the arrest of a Moroccan who had entered Algeria illegally. Six individuals, including three Algerians and three Moroccans, were arrested after information was received about suspicious movements of one of them in the center of Tlemcen.
Loubar explained that a preliminary investigation was opened after the arrest of the Moroccan, who was found to be working within a spy network receiving instructions from another Moroccan. He affirmed that the network members aimed to undermine state institutions and national security, indicating that investigations are ongoing.
In a swift response, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune interrupted his election campaign to preside over what is known as the “Supreme Security Council,” reflecting the government’s concern about the impact of this event on the elections.
It seems that the aim of these measures is to intimidate the Algerian people and make them believe that their problem lies with Morocco rather than with their daily reality.
These developments come at a sensitive time, as the regime seeks to strengthen its position before the elections scheduled for September 7, 2024, amid accusations from the opposition that the government is using these incidents as a way to divert attention from pressing domestic issues.
Source: Fas News