On 14 December, Lyes Touati, the internationalist socialist activist, figurehead of the 2019 popular movement (Hirak) and the environmental struggle, among others; leading member of the Socialist Workers' Party (PST), was arrested once again near his home in the town of Aokas.
The Bejaia examining magistrate ordered that he be remanded in Oued Ghir prison. He is being prosecuted under Article 87 bis of the Criminal Code for alleged ‘links with the MAK’. He faces between 5 and 10 years' imprisonment.
Lyes is an activist for just causes, a model citizen, deeply attached to his country and his people, for whom he has worked tirelessly. He has been involved in every social and democratic struggle. His activist career was marked by his constant commitment to anti-racism, anti-imperialism, anti-Zionism and resolutely pro-Palestinianism. The broad outpouring of solidarity that has been expressed in his favour testifies to his great political and moral probity, as well as to the sympathy and respect he enjoys in his region and beyond.