Algeria arrests dozens of separatists

Algeria authorities have arrested 27 suspected members of a separatist group that has been declared a “terrorist” organisation.

Police accuse them of being part of the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK) that is seeking independence for the Kabylie region.

The group was declared a terrorist organisation after last month’s wildfires that killed 65 people.

The 27 were arrested on Monday, days after clashes between protesters and police in Kherrata town.

Police said officers were injured during the incident.

The suspects have been accused of attempting “to sow terror and strife among citizens by order of parties abroad”.

Dominica Nwabufo/BBC