Algerian Mayor Detained After Controversial Ban on New Year's Sweets
The mayor of Telagh, a municipality in Algeria's Sidi Bel Abbes province, was placed in temporary detention on Monday after issuing a ban on the sale of New Year's sweets, commonly referred to as "Christian tree trunk." This decision has ignited significant controversy across social media platforms.
The investigating judge at the Sidi Bel Abbes court cited several serious allegations for the mayor's detention, including:
incitement to racism and hatred, abuse of office, and the unauthorized publication of an administrative decision on social media.
The controversial municipal order, issued at the end of last year, threatened traders with a 30-day closure of their shops and a fine of 20,000 Algerian dinars for non-compliance.
The ban faced considerable backlash, with many perceiving it as an infringement on personal freedoms and religious practices. In response to the public outcry, the mayor revoked the ban shortly after its announcement.
The mayor's detention has reignited discussions on social media, with some individuals viewing the punishment as a necessary response to the damage caused to Algeria's image, while others argue that the detention is an excessive reaction to the situation.
This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between local administrative actions and the boundaries of legal accountability, illustrating how a seemingly minor decision can escalate into a significant public issue.
