afrol News, 17 February - Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his government are described as corrupt and fraudulent in a book local police had done anything to prevent from being published. Mohamed Benchicou, editor of the book and the Algiers daily 'Le Matin' is now facing government and police sanctions.

Algeria is organising presidential elections on 8 April and President Bouteflika's government is not keen to allow more political critiques than he usually allows in the run-up to the polls. The publishing of editor Benchicou's critical book - titled 'Bouteflika: an Algerian fraud' - therefore had to be stopped by all means.

'Le Matin', one of Algeria's leading independent daily newspapers, noted the increased pressure as the book's launch was approaching. According to the French media watchdog Reporters sans Frontières (RSF), 'Le Matin' journalist Saïda Azzouz and satirist Ali Dilem on Sunday were taken to an Algiers police station, without any official reason. Police officers were searching copies of Mr Benchicou's.

The day before, on Saturday 14 February, police had forcefully entered the private residence of Mr Benchicou and the premises of 'Le Matin' to search for copies of the dangerous book. At the editorial house, employees were questioned and eight copies of the book were found and confiscated. 'Le Matin' today confirms this action by Algerian police in its latest edition.

Police action, however, was of no avail. Yesterday, 'Bouteflika: an Algerian fraud' was published simultaneously in France and Algeria. Mr Benchicou proudly presented the book at a press conference at 'Le Matin' headquarters. Only the publisher remains secret and is, according to 'Le Matin', now the focus of police investigations.

During the press conference, Mr Benchicou said that an Arabic translation of his book would be launched in Algeria during March, in good time before the 8 April elections. He also noted "the irony" of the fact that President Bouteflika's desperate attempts to stop his book had given it "an excellent promotion."

Editor Benchicou, a long-time critic of President Bouteflika, says his new book is the result of an investigation into the political and private actions of the Algerian President. In particular, he aims at documenting what he observes to be "undemocratic" values, presenting his book as a "new fight for democracy."

The most controversial part of Mr Benchicou's book is nevertheless the part about Interior Minister Noureddine Zerhouni, whom he accuses of outright corruption. Minister Zerhouni already has made strong declarations against these accusations.

The launch of the controversial book and the cat-and-mouse-game to have it stopped comes at a critical time for President Bouteflika, who is experiencing serious political setbacks before the elections.

The ruling National Liberation Front (FLN) party has already split over the candidacy of Mr Bouteflika. A growing rival group within FLN is supporting former Prime Minister Ali Benflis, who was sacked by President Bouteflika in May last year. Further, several opposition parties have announced their boycott of the upcoming poll, citing unfair election preparations.

By staff writers

© afrol News

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