Algerians from several surrounding villages joined in the protest at the Fréha government administration site on Thursday (July 11th), claiming that the imam did not abide by their traditions and was trying to impose salafist practices.
According to local resident Hadj Ibrahim, citizens were outraged because the imam "had refused to conduct the usual and traditional funeral ceremony when a villager died, on the pretext that it was a bida'a (innovation)".
"This imam was already known for his salafist ideology," Ibrahim added. "He tried to impose it on the villagers several times."
The authorities responded quickly to the civil protest. The Ministry of Religious Affairs issued an order for the imam to be transferred elsewhere. But this did not appease the villagers, who said the problem was bigger than just their town.
"We are appalled not by this imam but by salafist ideology, which poses a threat to our society." Imzizou resident Hadj Mansour told Magahrebia.
"What is not good for our village is bad for the whole of Algeria", Mansour said. » | Fidet Mansour | Thursday, July 18, 2013
