Maghreb Edition

Algerian government outraged after journalist broadcasts anti-Bouteflika video from EU HQF

Posted On 8 June 2018

Number of times this article was read : 356

The North Africa Journal – June 8, 2018: Algerian journalist Layla Haddad Lefevre, who used to be the correspondent of the Algerian public broadcasting network in Brussels, appeared in a video shot at the EU headquarters denouncing the President Abdelaziz Bouteflika and his regime.

Layla Haddad vividly lashed out at the President and his adviser and brother, Said Bouteflika, urging them to leave on the grounds that Abdelaziz Bouteflika is not able to government due to his illness. Through the Algerian Ambassador to Belgium, the Algerian government has vehemently deplored the “unacceptable misappropriation of the EU symbols and parliament to insult the honor and dignity of the Algerian Institutions”.

The Ambassador called Layla Haddad a “pseudo-journalist” with “bipolar behavior” who “gives her voice to the foreign powers who are hostile to Algeria”. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned John O’Rourke, the EU’s Ambassador to Algeria, to discuss the issue. Following the meeting, the latter tweeted that while Layla Haddad Lefevre is accredited by the EU, she does not speak for the EU. The tweet was criticized by the government, which urged the EU to denounce the journalist.

On 4 June, the journalist announced that she was the victim of a physical assault outside her home in Brussels by two “North African individuals”. Layla Haddad added that the Belgian authorities launched an investigation.

Looking to keep abreast of latest risk assessment in Algeria?
Download sample of MEA Risk weekly country report

Subscribe to Urgent Notifications and Newsletter

Most Recent Stories from the Region

Algeria-France Trade Drops 23% with Import and Energy Curbs$

Trade between Algeria and France fell by roughly 23% in the year ending June 2026, dropping below €9 billion as import controls and political tensions reshape the relationship. Algeria’s tighter oversight of foreign purchases has sharply reduced French exports—particularly in food, automotive equipment, and industrial goods—while energy-driven exports to France also declined. The figures point to a broader shift as Algeria diversifies suppliers and reduces reliance on its former primary trading partner.

Algeria is Experiencing a Severe Wildfire Crisis$

Algeria has recorded 1,619 fires since a heat wave began July 8, including 538 forest fires and six deaths, with 53 blazes still active as of July 22. Officials are calling the outbreaks “sixth-generation” fires — fast-moving and unusually difficult to control.

Summer in North Africa: Heat, Fire, and Failing Power Grids$

Summer in North Africa: Heat, Fire, and Failing Power Grids$

Extreme heat is gripping Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya at once, with wildfires spreading across Algeria and power grids buckling under demand in Egypt. Regional meteorologists say the pattern reflects a longer-term warming trend rather than a single bad summer.

Written by The North Africa Journal

The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.