Axel Belabassi: The Kabyle People Themselves Are Facing Repression and Cannot Protect Royal Army Fans
Activist Axel Belabassi has sent an open message to the fans of Moroccan club Royal Army, urging them to refrain from traveling to the Kabylie region of Algeria in light of the upcoming match between the Moroccan team and JS Kabylie. He warned of potential security risks.
In his message, Belabassi highlighted serious concerns regarding the safety of Moroccan fans wishing to travel to the area, pointing out that the political and security situations in Algeria do not, in his view, provide real guarantees for protecting visiting fans.
Belabassi explained that the Kabyle people themselves are experiencing difficult conditions characterized by repression and restrictions, lacking the necessary means to ensure the safety of their guests. He cited the case of Kabyle youth Ilias Ghernini, who was sentenced to two years in prison for wearing the Moroccan national team jersey, viewing this as evidence of the sensitivity and tension in the general atmosphere.
He called on Royal Army fans to prioritize safety and responsibility, advising them to avoid any travel that might put them in danger. Conversely, he stressed that the Kabyle people do not see Moroccan fans as enemies but rather as a brotherly people united by historical ties and mutual respect.
The message underscored that football should remain a field for rapprochement and brotherhood between peoples, free from any political exploitation or tension.
