GSPC founder calls for al-Qaeda surrender in Algeria
2009-01-21
Former GSPC commander Hassan Hattab released a statement this week calling on members of al-Qaeda operating in Algeria to surrender to the government.
By Nazim Fethi for Magharebia in Algiers – 21/01/09
 [Getty Images] Hassan Hattab called for an end to attacks like the August 2008 bombings that left 12 dead in Bouira. |
Hassan Hattab, founder of Algeria's Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC), issued a fresh call on Monday (January 19th) for members of al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb to lay down their weapons.
In the written document, which was released to the Algerian press, Hattab appealed to terrorists to renounce armed struggle in order to benefit from the law on civil concord. Drawing on a verse from the Qur'an and two hadiths from the Prophet Mohammed, he condemned the terrorist attacks perpetrated in Algeria in the name of Islam.
The former GSPC leader issued his call just as radical Islamists are demanding jihad in Gaza.
"What law or moral code could allow this?" he asked in the statement. "Is this really a jihad that would please God?"
Hattab simultaneously condemned and repented for acts of terrorism, "which do nothing for Islam or Muslims and against which I have already given warnings in the past".
Advising his "brothers" to obey God and halt their activities, he implored them to "return to society and your families; society is ready to welcome you and heal the wounds".
Monday's appeal was not Hattab's first. Last August, he responded to an attack on the police academy in Issers with a statement calling for terrorists to abandon their violent agenda.
Hassan Hattab left the GSPC in 2003 after a dispute with current leader Abdelmalek Droukdel over the legitimacy of targeting civilians. In September 2006 the group rallied to Osama bin Laden's cause, changing its name to al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb.
Hattab surrendered to Algerian authorities in late September 2007.
Salima Tlemçani, a terrorism specialist, told El Watan that the message follows a statement by Droukdel "calling for attacks against the interests of Westerners – particularly Americans, French and Israelis – throughout the world".
The Droukdel communiqué was no longer available, however, just hours after its release, noted Tlemçani. Previous messages about Algeria are still available online.
According to the expert, Droukdel's organisation has suffered heavy losses in recent months, to the point where it has been unable to regain ground, except for sporadic roadblocks. This has raised questions about the future of the group.
Journalists suggest that differences at the heart of the terrorist organisation have rendered it unable to carry out attacks as visible as those of last year. This is believed to be the result of both a series of surrenders within the heart of the group and a government crackdown.
According to Nayla Berrahal of Algerian daily Echorouk, the al-Qaeda organisation "is in a really difficult position since the start of the events in Gaza... due to the reaction of the public".
She said the people believe the terrorist organisation is attempting "to profit from the situation to clean up its image following a series of suicide attacks and crimes targeting civilians".
Rather than garnering the support of impassioned youths, Berrahal suggests Droukdel's group has alienated itself. "These young people have risen up against the terrorist organisation, which they accuse of executing foreigners' plans and strategies," she said.
For many civilians, the former GSPC can no longer fool young people about its real intentions.
Lotfi Amine, a student, said the group "has no legitimacy or credibility to support Palestine, given the crimes it has committed against the sons and daughters of its own country".
Fellow student Djamel Alek went a step further, accusing al-Qaeda of being "mercenaries". Speaking to Magharebia, he addressed the terrorists: "Those who live in Gaza are pure and their blood is sacred. We do not want it to be mingled with the blood of mercenaries like you."
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djaouti mohamed cherif(chérif) Posted 2009-01-23
Salam alaikoum Mr Hattab Hassan- Your debut in the 2001-2 negotiations with the Algerian state’s Popular National Army is bearing fruit now and, fortunately, this is before it is too late. But, we are awaiting your repentance before it is too late. You must justify yourself before the god Allah. Now, you recognise that you were wrong. You fought the army by arms. Even I nearly lost my life in spite of these honourable people. So, I tell you National Defense exists in large part due to everyone’s efforts and acceptance. I hope to see Algeria bathing in the waters of Zamzam, not in blood. I also call for the repentance of all now, those who have lost their faith and who have lost a bit of their patience and steadfastness. A small obstacle is enough from time to time to be the straw that broke the camel’s back. I invited you to repent openly and, there you have it, some of you did. Thank you. I succeed. –Signed, The devoted, The Messiah, the Imam, the Christ, The Messiah, called Aissa (All work deserves pay, my dear friends of the Muslim world.)
maalej abderrazek Posted 2009-01-24
With regards to Hattab’s appeal, I wonder what the fate of these leaders who repented will be. He was indeed the head of a terrorist organisation responsible for the death of thousands of Algerian women and children.
salim Posted 2009-01-24
Enough is enough,it has to stop,what a weast of blood ,resources and energy for no cause or purpose.Countries are building future for their future generations and kids and we are spending time fitting each other. Islam = Salam = No hogra = No killing inocent people. No haven for assasins. Stop your **** so we can stop the government using you as an exuse for all ills of the Algerian people and build future for our kids.
إسلام من معسكر Posted 2009-01-27
We don't forget the black days experienced by Algeria, days of terrorism. Therefore, we want peace and reconciliation. God Almighty didn't say in the Qur'an to kill innocents, kids and women, as terrorism says. He said Jihad for the cause of God which means fighting the enemy. The enemy now is America and Israel...Therefore, we must fight Israel not Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. Terrorism is coward and scared to face Israel. God doesn't like corruption on earth as traitors think. I ask forgiveness from God for me and for you. Thank you my Arab and Muslim brothers.
صدام Posted 2009-02-05
We are proud to be Algerian. We will fight terrorism to the end.
slimane chaouch Posted 2009-02-06
It is very clear that time has a way of putting everyone in their place. We have lost a lot. We walk around, proud of being Algerians, but we hide our origins. Thanks to you, our Muslim brothers, we have no choice: over there it is different. Work and go to the pain of letting people believe and live, no matter where they come from. They come to you if they have nothing to eat, but you waste money killing your Muslims brothers, who have the right to see and live Islam as they feel is most right. If only you would help the poor!
محمد Posted 2009-02-07
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I address my message to the leader of the Salafi group for preaching and fighting (Droukdel), to repent to God Almighty for the acts he committed against the Algeria people including blood with which he soiled his hand and the hands of mercenaries with him, to address his dirty arms to Zionists, may God curse them, then the first who will join you will be young people who fear God, not like you and those like you.
hjdg Posted 2009-02-09
The expert whose words are disgusting. He wants to destroy the Algerian state and wants to divide the peaceful Algerian society.
حسن المصري Posted 2009-02-10
I call upon Hassan Hattab to repent and return to the path of Jihad for the cause of God until the removal of the rulers of infidelity and apostasy in Algeria… Have you quickly forgotten the crimes and butcheries he committed and which are committed by the gang of France soldiers against the Muslims of Algeria? Is there any evil worse than what happened in the country of Muslims including Fitna, infidelity, dissension from the confession, occupation by infidels of some of its lands militarily and the total political occupation thereof as a result of these infidel dissolute rulers? By God Who is one, there is no way to liberate all Islamic countries from the evil of these dissolute rulers and agents of world Zionist-crusaders except by Jihad… By Jihad alone we will get rid of the suffering we endure and get all stolen rights as citizens who are deprived of the resources of this country because of this ruling agent gang. Wake up may God rest your souls!!!
rachid Posted 2009-02-12
You do not want Algeria to rid itself of the terrorists and to be stable!
Proud Algerian Posted 2009-03-29
Hassan El Masri (حسن المصري ) Why don't you fight and liberate in your own country.....as far as know there isn't any Zionist flag flying in our Algeria.
mustapha Posted 2009-09-25
Salam alikum. I say to these killers stop shedding blood of Algerians, we are Muslims. I say that these terrorist groups made up of many names using the name of Islam is like a virus lymphatic arm to sow terror and instability in this great country, Algeria. Where will you go agents of mafia? Those who kill a soul without right will go to hell eternally. Jihad is fighting the soul not killing children, women and old men. You are destroying crops and people. You're punishment traitors is killing not reconciliation. Thank you.
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