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| Africa North |
| Imams call for calm after violent riots in Algeria |
| 2011-01-08 |
| [Ennahar] Imams of mosques in Algeria on Friday called for calm and serenity at the major Friday prayer, after the violent riots in Algeria in recent days against the high cost of living. "Serenity and quietness are great graces of Allah. We must preserve them," said a preacher whose sermon was broadcast live on national radio earlier this afternoon. The imam, whose identity has not been specified by the radio, following in his speech a line defined by the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Algeria because Islam is the state religion. In other mosques in the country, the same type of speech was heard by many faithful. "These are fundamental for the stability of the country," said the imam at the national radio. Acts of violence, he added, are "contrary to Islam" and it is up to parents to educate their children to reject the use of violence. "The destruction of property of others, both public and private, is forbidden by religion (Islam). The true believer build, not destroy," said the preacher. The situation appeared to normal Friday morning, the weekly day of rest in the cities affected by incidents, because the streets had been completely cleaned. Thursday, there had been intense festivities around the capital and in other parts of the country, according to testimonies. Since the outbreak incident three days ago, a number of trade have been vandalized, stolen, burned. The authorities have not yet commented on the protests against increases of up to 30% of certain essential commodities like sugar and cooking oil, since 1 January. |
| Posted by:Fred |