Ghares was arrested and placed in pre-trial detention last year in July after police raided and searched his home

The decision by Algeria has worsened the already fraught diplomatic relations between the two countries. It also raises concerns about gas shortage and energy price rise in Europe, with predictions of high demand during the cold winter months

The Algerian government’s actions come following comments by French president Emmanuel Macron, which the government said amounts to foreign interference in its internal affairs

Relations between the two countries have been souring for the last couple of years. One month before closing the airspace, diplomatic ties between the countries had been terminated

Mohamed Mouloudj faces charges such as spreading false news, harming national unity, and belonging to a terrorist group. The authorities also arrested several prominent civil society figures, including academics, journalists and a Hirak activist  

A number of journalists critical of the government have been arrested and sentenced to prison terms. Algeria’s rank in the World Press Freedom rankings published annually by Reporters Without Borders has also slipped to 146 out of 180 countries, down 27 places since 2015

The decision comes amid escalating tensions over many issues between the two countries, including Western Sahara, Morocco’s relations and support for Israel, and Morocco’s alleged backing of Algerian separatist groups

Rabah Kareche of the Liberte daily was arrested on April 19 and kept in pre-trial detention following his articles on the Berber Tuareg tribe community’s demonstrations against land grab

Earlier, Algerian judoka Fethi Nourine had withdrawn from the tournament after he was drawn against an Israeli opponent citing his support for the Palestinian cause

Prior to yesterday’s mass release, over 300 political prisoners were being detained by the Algerian government for supporting or participating in the anti-government Hirak protests or other opposition groups

According to Algerian human rights organizations, at least 300 people are currently in jail due to their participation in the Hirak protests

There are still close to 300 political detainees being held in prisons in Algeria. The president has indicated that more releases will take place in the days to come