Arrest of the creator of the “Yetnahaw Gaa” slogan: A new escalation by the Algerian regime against Hirak symbols

Details on the pretrial detention of Mohamed Bekir Turki

In a new escalatory move reflecting the ongoing security grip of the military regime in Algeria, the investigating judge has ordered the pretrial detention of the prominent activist Mohamed Bekir Turki, popularly known as the author of the slogan “Yetnahaw Gaa” (Let them all go). This move once again confirms the governing authorities’ determination to liquidate what remains of the free voices and symbols of the peaceful Hirak popular movement, which called for radical change and the building of a civil state.

The “Yetnahaw Gaa” slogan that shook the foundations of the Algerian regime

Activist Mohamed Bekir Turki is considered one of the most prominent faces associated with the collective memory of the Algerian Hirak, where his spontaneous and famous slogan “Yetnahaw Gaa” turned into a national icon and a central chant repeated by millions in peaceful marches since February 2019. This slogan was not just fleeting words, but formed a popular roadmap that rejected any circumvention of the people’s demands by the ruling military facade.

A continuous wave of arrests of Hirak symbols and muzzling of dissent

Observers and human rights activists believe that the decision to arrest Mohamed Bekir Turki is part of a systematic campaign aimed at settling political scores, muzzling mouths, and silencing any dissenting voice within the country. This measure coincides with an increasing pace of arrests of Hirak symbols and the pursuit of political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists, placing Algeria in the face of sharp international criticism regarding the appalling regression in the file of human rights, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly.

Angry reactions and widespread solidarity with the detainee

Immediately after the news of his imprisonment spread, social media platforms erupted in a massive wave of solidarity with activist Mohamed Bekir Turki. Hundreds of bloggers and human rights activists expressed their strong condemnation of this decision, considering that imprisoning the body of the slogan’s author will not erase the idea embraced by millions of Algerians. Independent human rights organizations continue to call for the immediate and unconditional release of all prisoners of conscience and to end the policy of security intimidation employed by the regime to cover up the deep social and political crises the country is experiencing.