The Public Prosecutor at El Harrach court has requested a five-year prison sentence for 34 defendants accused of involvement in stadium riots, incitement to violence, intentional property destruction, and assault on security personnel. The prosecutor sought maximum penalties for the accused individuals, emphasizing the gravity of the offenses committed. The Public Prosecutor described the incidents as "serious" and requested the court to impose a sentence of 5 years of effective imprisonment on the 34 suspected defendants, a group that includes minors and individuals with prior convictions. The charges against the defendants collectively show the severe nature of the disturbances that occurred. Initial verdicts in the case are scheduled to be pronounced on Wednesday, May 13th, bringing this phase of the legal process to a conclusion.
Details of the Violence
The incidents unfolded on April 10th, immediately following the second goal scored against USM El Harrach during their match against JSMB. This key moment on the field quickly escalated into widespread unrest among a segment of the spectator base. Following the goal, rioters attempted to storm the field of play, an action that directly threatened the safety of players and officials, and caused extensive damage within the stadium premises. The scale of the destruction was considerable, impacting various parts of the sports complex.
The perpetrators destroyed chairs, seats, and the stadium's iron fence, showcasing a deliberate intent to cause significant material harm. They also specifically targeted the VIP stand, which sustained substantial damage during the unrest, indicating a broader disregard for property. Additionally, the rioters forcibly entered two sports halls within the stadium complex that were being used for storage. From these halls, they stole various materials, including multiple cans of paint, which they then used in further acts of vandalism. Subsequently, they attempted to set fire to a security vehicle parked nearby, an act that posed a direct threat to public safety and property.
The violence resulted in injuries to three police officers who were on duty attempting to restore order. Two officers suffered fractures, indicating direct physical confrontation and serious harm, while a third sustained an injury to their eye, a particularly vulnerable area. These injuries highlight the dangerous environment created by the rioters and the risks faced by security personnel.
Legal Proceedings and Demands
The defendants face accusations of participating in riots, incitement to violence in stadiums, intentional destruction of property, and assault on security personnel. These are serious charges, each carrying significant legal consequences. In the ongoing legal proceedings, the municipality of Kallitouch has formally demanded 1 billion and 600 million centimes in compensation. This substantial claim specifically addresses the extensive material losses incurred during the stadium unrest, reflecting the high cost of repairs and replacements. Separately, the Public Treasury has sought financial restitution for the damages it sustained as a result of the events. The Public Treasury demanded 1 million dinars from each defendant as compensation for losses to the public treasury, showing the financial burden placed on public funds by the destructive acts. These demands highlight the significant financial repercussions of the incidents, in addition to the criminal charges being pursued by the prosecution.
Prosecutor's Stance
Of the individuals involved in the case, 14 defendants were placed in temporary detention following their initial appearances before the court, a measure typically reserved for more serious charges or flight risks. Additionally, some defendants were placed under judicial supervision as part of the ongoing proceedings, requiring them to adhere to specific conditions while awaiting trial. In a separate development, ten members of the supporters' committee, who were also implicated in the broader investigation, were released, suggesting a different level of involvement or evidence against them. Six individuals among those originally charged were acquitted, indicating that the court found insufficient evidence to proceed with charges against them. These measures reflect the various judicial decisions made regarding the defendants' statuses as the investigation and legal processes unfold, demonstrating the multi-faceted nature of the legal response to the stadium riots.
