Algeria tries to halt strife by Islamist leaders
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tunis (Reuter) - President Liamine Zeroual of Algeria, seeking to end violence in which thousands have died, said he had freed three leading Muslim militants and transferred the two top fundamentalist leaders from jail to a residence. The president of the banned Islamic Salvation Front (FIS), Abassi Madani, and his deputy Ali Belhadj - both serving 12-year jail terms imposed in 1992 - were transferred from military prison to a residence. 'The measure is aimed at allowing them to give their support to the objective of stopping the violence and bring the restoration of security and stability,' an official statement said. It named the three released men as former FIS senior officials Noureddine Chigara, Abdelkader Omar and Kamel Guemmazi.
Last month, Mr Madani in a letter to President Zeroual suggested a plan of 'national reconciliation', proposing a truce in armed attacks in return for the freeing of Islamist leaders and rehabilitation of the FIS.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments