Algerian authorities have taken swift action following disturbances linked to a recent football match, arresting six individuals accused of inciting hate and discrimination.
A statement released Wednesday on the police’s official Facebook page confirmed that security forces launched an investigation after detecting inflammatory videos circulating on social media. The footage reportedly showed individuals spreading divisive rhetoric in response to the match between Al-Ruwaisat and Al-Harrach.
“The cybersecurity group in the security of the state of Algeria began opening an initial investigation in the case, under the supervision of the competent prosecution,” the statement read.
Authorities used both field and technical investigations to track down the owners of the accounts responsible for spreading the content. Among the six suspects arrested, some had prior judicial records.
The statement further detailed that the individuals were brought before the Prosecutor of the Republic on charges related to public incitement, disruption of national security, and the use of media and communication technologies to spread hate speech and discrimination.