Algiers — Representatives of Algerian and African origin community living in France, who are in solidarity with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), organized Sunday evening in Algiers a rally, in which they expressed solidarity with the 25 Saharawi political prisoners of Gdeim Izik, condemning the "severe sentences" pronounced in their case by the military court in Rabat.

The rally was attended by representatives of civil society in Algeria, President of the Algerian National Committee of Solidarity with the Saharawi People (CNASPS) Mr. Mahrez Lamari, Saharawi Ambassador in Algiers Mr. Brahim Ghali, and President of the Algerian-Saharawi Parliamentary Committee of Friendship and Fraternity Ms. Saida Bounab.

Members of the Algerian and African origin community are present in Algeria for the celebration of the 42nd anniversary of the nationalization of hydrocarbons and the 57th anniversary of the establishment of General Union of Algerian Workers (UGTA), which took place Sunday at the gas complex of Tiguentourine, In Amenas.

During the event, they unanimously described as an "unfair" and "arbitrary" the verdict issued last Sunday against Gdeim Izik detainees, calling on the UN, international community and human rights organizations to respond to this "flagrant violation" of international law.

The participants considered that the conviction of 24 Saharawi prisoners, whose only crime was that they advocated for the right of the Saharawi people to live in dignity, will not hinder the Saharawis' struggle for freedom, but it will help to raise consciousness and awareness of the public opinion about the "just and noble" Saharawi cause.

They also hailed the firm position of Algeria towards the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic and solidarity of its civil society with the Saharawi people.