Algerian Mayor Jailed Over Controversial New Year's Treat Ban

In a case that has ignited significant controversy on social media, the mayor of Telagh in the Sidi Bel Abbes province of Algeria was taken into custody by a local court on Monday after issuing a ban on the sale of a traditional New Year's dessert known as "Bûche de Noël."

The investigating judge cited several serious allegations as grounds for the detention, including incitement to racism and hatred, abuse of power, and the unauthorized publication of an administrative decision on social media.

The municipal decision, made late last year, threatened non-compliant vendors with a 30-day closure of their businesses and a fine of 20,000 Algerian Dinar.

This ban triggered widespread criticism, with many viewing it as an infringement on individual freedoms and religious beliefs, prompting the mayor to rescind the decision just days after its announcement.

The mayor's arrest has reignited debate on social media, with some arguing that the punishment was warranted due to the damage the decision inflicted on the country's reputation, while others contended that imprisonment was an excessive response to the nature of the offense.

This incident highlights the tensions between local administrative decisions and legal accountability, illustrating how a seemingly minor action can escalate into a national public issue.