Islamist Militants Defy Amnesty

As Algeria's amnesty for national reconciliation nears its end, Islamist militants have promised a 'very hot summer' ahead. The Charter for Peace and National Reconciliation was enacted on February 28, in an attempt to 'close the chapter' as President Bouteflika put it, to years of civil war that ravaged the country during the 1990s. Despite being accepted by 98% of voters in a referendum in September, many, including victims' groups, remain highly critical of the policy. The first criticism pertains to the fact that the reconciliation law gives immunity to the security establishment of any responsibility for crimes committed

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