QUESTIONABLE DEATH SPARKS DEMONSTRATIONS IN ZERALDA

UNCLAS ALGIERS 000490 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM AG SUBJECT: QUESTIONABLE DEATH SPARKS DEMONSTRATIONS IN ZERALDA ¶1. (U) The questionable death of Faycal Akbichi on March 5 in a police station in Zeralda, a city 30 kilometers west of Algiers, created a furor for local citizens and resulted in 18 injuries, cars and tires burned, and damage to the city hall and a local bank headquarters. The police reacted quickly and calm was restored after one day of violence. The mayor assuaged further violence by promising a proper investigation into the young man's death. ¶2. (U) Akbichi, 34, reportedly entered the local police station in Zeralda at 3:00 a.m. on March 5 and, according to police officers in the station at the time, was wielding an ax. Police reported they reacted in self-defense to his provocation and noted that two officers were seriously wounded in the confrontation. Akbichi died on his way to the hospital. The local population, however, suspected foul play by the police. According to press reports, his family alleged that Akbichi's ex-fiancee never returned her dowry and later became engaged to a police officer who has repeatedly humiliated Akbichi. ¶3. (U) The Direction General de la Surete Nationale (DGSN) issued a statement emphasizing that "everything would be done to determine the precise circumstances of the death of the citizen Akbichi Faycal." The Wali of Algiers also released a statement urging the population of Zeralda to remain calm, adding that the court of Zeralda had instructed the Judicial Police to begin an inquiry. The population welcomed the statements and no violent incidents were reported on the day of his funeral. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: This incident is another indication that in Algeria frustrations over a variety of grievances can quickly spill into the street. What is unusual is the speed with which the authorities took action to calm this situation. ERDMAN