Latest from Ya Biladi
Ya Biladi
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Algerian historian Mohamed Amine Belghit faces seven year sentence
In Algeria, the trial of historian Mohamed Amine Belghit is nearing its conclusion. On Thursday, June 26, the prosecution requested a seven-year prison sentence and a fine of 700,000 dinars (approximately €4,616), according to an Algerian media outlet. Belghit, who has been in custody since May 3, faces charges of «undermining national unity», «inciting hatred», and «using information technology for propaganda that undermines human dignity». These charges are linked to an interview he gave to a media outlet in the United Arab Emirates, in which he claimed the Amazigh movement was a «creation of French and Zionist intelligence services». The public prosecutor deemed these remarks contrary to constitutional values concerning national unity, state sovereignty, and social cohesion, according to a statement issued on May 3. It is worth noting that Algerian authorities have previously accused Morocco, France, and Israel of «financially and militarily supporting» separatist claims in Kabylia.
Ya Biladi
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
What a U.S. terrorist designation could mean for the Polisario Front
DR The bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Joe Wilson (Republican) and Jimmy Panetta (Democrat) seeks to designate the Polisario Front as a « foreign terrorist organization » (FTO). However, even if the bill passes, the designation would not be automatic: under U.S. law, the final decision rests with the Secretary of State, who acts on advice from the Treasury Department and the Department of Justice (8 U.S.C. § 1189). To persuade Congress—and ultimately Secretary of State Marco Rubio—Joe Wilson emphasizes the Polisario's ties to Hezbollah and Iran. He could also highlight threats of terrorist attacks against foreign interests in Western Sahara by leaders of the separatist movement. If the «Polisario Front Terrorist Designation Act» succeeds and the State Department officially labels the Polisario as an FTO, here are four key consequences to expect: Implications of the FTO designation in the United States Asset freeze: The Treasury could block any funds controlled by the Polisario within U.S. jurisdiction. This freeze would be targeted; a global blockade would require an additional designation as a «Specially Designated Global Terrorist» (SDGT) by OFAC. In practice, many non-U.S. banks would likely halt processing dollar payments to avoid risks. Prosecution for «material support»: Anyone in the U.S. providing material assistance could face up to 20 years in prison (18 U.S.C. § 2339B). However, humanitarian licenses could still be granted, as has been done for groups like the Houthis, ensuring vital aid reaches civilians. Visas and border controls: Members and supporters would be legally inadmissible under INA § 212. Diplomatic exemptions might apply for UN personnel, but access to the U.S. would become the exception rather than the rule. Polisario's credibility and finances under pressure Loss of «liberation movement» aura: The FTO label would legally equate the Polisario with groups like Hezbollah or the PKK, seriously undermining its third-worldist narrative. Fundraising challenges: American payment platforms would sever ties, and European banks would adopt a strict cautionary stance. Non-dollar channels such as cryptocurrencies or Asian banks might persist unless secondary sanctions are imposed. NGOs under scrutiny: Humanitarian organizations would need OFAC licenses to operate in the Tindouf camps. Any advocacy or training involving the Polisario would become legally risky. Algeria in a delicate spot No automatic «State Sponsor of Terrorism» label: That designation requires clear, repeated support for attacks targeting U.S. interests. «Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act» law leverage: If Algeria pursues significant new Russian arms deals, CAATSA sanctions could be triggered, but this would be a highly political and conditional decision. Narrative costs: Supporting a group officially labeled as terrorist would damage Algeria's position, especially since some Sahel countries accuse it of backing terrorist groups in the region. Possible mitigation: Algeria might push for the disarmament of Polisario militias to ease international pressure. Multilateral repercussions: shifting from «decolonization» to «security» At the UN Security Council: The U.S. could push to add counter-terrorism to MINURSO's mandate during its next renewal. This would require a new resolution and must avoid a Russian or Chinese veto. Within the African Union: Some member states concerned about their image might distance themselves from the SADR, potentially leading to a formal suspension if 36 countries support amending the AU's founding charter. Bilateral relations: Hesitant countries would have a stronger rationale to openly back Morocco's autonomy plan. In short, if Washington finally brands the Polisario Front as an FTO, it would shine a spotlight on the alliances behind the Polisario—making them more visible, and more politically costly for countries like Algeria and South Africa to support.
Ya Biladi
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Six Moroccans acquitted of terrorism but still detained in Somalia plead to return home
Six Moroccan nationals, currently held in Garowe Prison in Somalia's Puntland region, have issued a desperate appeal to the Moroccan authorities, urging immediate intervention to end their prolonged detention, despite a final court ruling declaring them innocent of terrorism-related charges. The six young men had traveled to Somalia in hopes of building a better professional future, but instead found themselves caught up in a serious case that led to military court proceedings and initial death sentences. However, the charges were later dropped after it was proven they had been misled by individuals suspected of ties to extremist groups. In a voice message shared by Moroccan newspaper al3omk, one of the detainees described a humanitarian ordeal that extends far beyond their legal nightmare. «We survive on one meal a day, barely edible… we have to wash it with water just to be able to eat it», he said, adding that detention conditions are «catastrophic», with no access to clean drinking water and constant psychological pressure. The detainees stressed that they never entered Somalia with the intent to join any organization. Rather, they were lured by fellow Moroccans with promises of legitimate economic opportunities in a developing region. Upon realizing the deception, and finding themselves in an area known for ISIS activity, they attempted to flee and voluntarily surrendered to the authorities, only to face imprisonment instead of protection. Although their innocence was confirmed by a final court ruling over 18 months ago and a deportation order was issued, they remain behind bars. Puntland authorities attribute the delay in their release to a lack of coordination with the Moroccan government, insisting that their freedom hinges on Morocco's willingness to receive its citizens. The detainees' families had previously submitted a formal complaint to Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on May 19, expressing deep frustration over their sons' continued imprisonment and calling for urgent diplomatic action to end their ordeal.
Ya Biladi
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
French court sentences far-right group members for plotting attacks against Muslims
On Thursday, the French judiciary handed down prison sentences of up to five years to 16 members of the far-right group «Action des Forces Opérationnelles» (AFO), after convicting them of plotting violent attacks targeting Muslims. Two defendants were acquitted, according to the French news agency AFP. Prosecutors at the Paris Criminal Court had sought the harshest sentence for Daniel R., the youngest of the accused and the only one already in custody for a separate case. He received five years in prison with immediate detention, due to his role as the group's explosives expert and military trainer, as well as concerns over his potential to reoffend. A five-year sentence, with three years suspended, was also requested for the group's founder, Guy S., the Île-de-France regional leader, Bernard S., and another member known as Philippe S., nicknamed «Achilles». The first two are to serve their enforceable sentences under house arrest with electronic monitoring, while Philippe S. had already spent sufficient time in pre-trial detention to cover his sentence. In addition to the prison terms, prosecutors also requested a 15-year ban on firearm possession for the defendants and a prohibition on contact between them. Their names were also to be added to France's national register of terrorist offenders (FIJAIT). The case centers on accusations that AFO was a terrorist organization actively seeking weapons. Investigators uncovered discussions among members about operations such as «Operation Halal», which aimed to poison halal food products in stores, and «Operation Mosque», which involved plans to bomb mosque entrances. There were also plots to assassinate radical imams. During the trial, most defendants tried to downplay the charges, claiming they were exaggerated or purely fictional. The prosecution dismissed these defenses, arguing that the group was driven by «a fear of Islam that turned into systematic hatred and hostility». The trial is set to continue Friday with closing arguments from the defense.
Ya Biladi
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Ya Biladi
Hassan II Foundation launches 26th cultural stay for Moroccan children abroad
The Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Living Abroad is hosting the 26th edition of its «Cultural Stay» program for summer 2025 at its socio-cultural center in Kenitra, running from July 5 to August 19. This educational and cultural initiative aims to deepen the connection of Moroccan expatriate children to their homeland and strengthen their cultural identity through a summer experience blending entertainment, learning, and exposure to Moroccan heritage. This year, the program welcomes 960 children aged 9 to 13, divided into four consecutive ten-day sessions: July 5–14, July 17–26, July 29–August 7, and August 10–19. Participants come from various countries across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, Tunisia, Libya, Mauritania, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Canada, the United States, and Palestine. The first session opened with 237 children from France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Tunisia—136 boys and 101 girls. France leads in participation with 121 children, followed by Italy with 41, then Spain and Belgium with 25 and 24 respectively. The program offers a wide range of artistic, educational, and sports activities, including art workshops, cultural visits to landmarks such as the Mohammed VI Museum and Bouregreg Valley, film screenings, and cultural evenings. Sports activities include football, swimming, handball, volleyball, and video games, some culminating in competitions with symbolic prizes. Since its launch in 1998, the «Cultural Stay» program has benefited over 17,782 children out of 20,607 allocated spots, achieving a 91% completion rate. Participation has been predominantly male (65%), with encouraging growth in female attendance in recent years.
