Aksel Bellabbaci, arrested by pro-Algerian French policy, released by the justice system of enlightened France.

Exile (Siwel). On 21 June 2024, Aksel Bellabbaci, adviser to the President of the Movement for the Self-Determination of Kabylia (MAK), Ferhat Mehenni, was released following his appearance before a judge in Paris. This decision by the French courts confirms that Aksel Bellabbaci has no involvement in the fires in Kabylia in the summer of 2021. The international arrest warrant issued by Algeria is now null and void, having no legal or factual basis. The refusal to extradite Aksel Bellabbaci is a significant victory for Kabylia and its quest for independence.
The facts.
On 20 June 2024, Aksel Bellabbaci was summoned by the French police following an international arrest warrant issued by Algeria, in connection with the fires of summer 2021. These unfounded and fanciful accusations were aimed at criminalising the MAK and its members. In August 2021, devastating fires ravaged Kabylia. The Algerian authorities were quick to blame the MAK for these events, seeking to retroactively justify the classification of the movement as a terrorist organisation, a decision taken three months before the fires. Algeria also accused Israel and Morocco of being behind the fires, without ever providing the slightest convincing proof against either these two countries or the MAK.
For the past three years, we have been calling for an international commission of enquiry to be set up to shed full light on these tragic events and identify those truly responsible. The MAK has lodged a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC), denouncing the false accusations and systematic acts of repression against the Kabyles.
Algerian repression and abuse in Kabylia
The Algerian state is a ruthless colonial dictatorship. Its regime regularly uses tricks to incriminate its Kabylian opponents on the basis of fabricated evidence, leading it to use unprecedented repressive methods to stifle the Kabylians, a people with strong independence demands. This colonialism manifests itself in the systemic marginalisation of Kabyle culture, the repression of political and cultural movements, and unjust economic exploitation.
Algerian prisons are overflowing with political detainees, many of whom are Kabyles accused of terrorism simply for expressing their opinions or taking part in peaceful demonstrations. Currently, 38 Kabyles have been arbitrarily sentenced to death, and hundreds of others are imprisoned in inhuman conditions. In 2021 and again in 2023, Kabyle citizens were burnt alive, atrocious symbols of the brutality of the Algerian regime.
Algerian colonialism
We strongly denounce the repression carried out by Algerian colonialism. The Algerian regime is using unfounded accusations and acts of violence to stifle the legitimate demands of the Kabyle people. This systematic repression aims to annihilate the identity and aspirations of the Kabyle people for independence.
Justice and hope
The free release of Aksel Bellabbaci demonstrates the ability of French justice to discern the truth from unfounded accusations. We welcome Aksel Bellabbaci and salute his courage and determination. This event reinforces our conviction in the quest for justice for Kabylia and its children. The refusal to extradite Aksel is a major victory for Kabylia, proving that truth and justice can prevail over repression and lies.
We call on the Kabyle people to continue the peaceful struggle for the independence of Kabylia. Let us remain united and determined in our quest for justice and international recognition. The truth will triumph in the end, and our efforts will contribute to the freedom and dignity of our people.