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Moroccan embassy files complaint after flag burning incident in Aubervilliers, alleged Algerian involvement
via Algérie3602 min read
Following Morocco's 3-0 victory over Canada on Saturday, a Moroccan flag was reportedly torn, ripped, and burned in the Quatre-Chemins district of Aubervilliers. Algerian citizens are allegedly involved in the incident, which occurred on the evening of Morocco's qualification for the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals. Videos shared on social media purportedly show the event, where Moroccan supporters, including women with a stroller, were reportedly jostled, and their flag was destroyed by Algerian supporters. The Moroccan Embassy in France issued a statement on Monday, condemning the "exactions committed on July 4th" in Aubervilliers. The embassy stated it has "documented and authenticated evidence" showing the Moroccan flag being publicly desecrated by individuals chanting slogans indicating their Algerian origin. The embassy announced it has filed a complaint after a series of videos of the alleged incident were published. The embassy also noted that some videos were reportedly uploaded by the alleged perpetrators themselves and that the collected evidence, including "hateful and xenophobic remarks" by Algerian supporters, has been submitted to law enforcement. These tensions follow a widely publicized assault on a young Algerian supporter, Wassim, by Moroccan supporters in Boston during the World Cup.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Algérie360.
Twelve migrants have been reported missing since June 29 after their boat departed from Oran, Algeria, destined for Spain. The NGO Alarm Phone issued an appeal for witnesses on July 5 via X, stating that they have had no news of the group since their departure. Alarm Phone, which documents migration flows to Europe, often relays emergency coordinates to maritime authorities. The organization was alerted by a concerned relative and has informed Spanish rescue services. Spain's maritime rescue service has stated they have not intercepted the boat or found the group of 12 migrants. While the primary route from Algeria targets the Spanish coast, some boats are pushed towards Sardinia, Italy. Separately, Alarm Phone also reported a potential disappearance on July 4 of migrants who left Tipaza. Arrivals to Spain have seen an increase, with the Balearic Islands becoming a key destination, showing a 6% rise in the first two months of the year compared to last year. According to the UNHCR, as of June 15, Spain recorded 10,701 migrant arrivals, with Algerians forming the largest group, followed by Moroccans, Malians, Senegalese, Gambians, and Guineans. Sudanese and Somalis also represent significant percentages of arrivals.
On July 5, 2025, as Algeria celebrated its 64th Independence Day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio sent official congratulations to the Algerian people and government. His message, published on the US Embassy in Algiers website, highlighted "remarkable progress" in bilateral relations over the past year across economic, cultural, and security domains. Rubio expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation and achieve greater prosperity for both countries. This diplomatic gesture underscores a period of significant dynamism in the partnership between Algiers and Washington. This follows a series of high-level engagements, including a visit by US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau and AFRICOM head General Dagvin Anderson in April, and comments from Trump's advisor for Arab and African affairs, Massad Boulos, in January, both emphasizing the strong strategic partnership and opportunities for mutual prosperity. Internally, July 5 also saw President Abdelmadjid Tebboune inaugurate several key projects, reflecting Algeria's ongoing transformation. Washington views Algiers as a crucial partner in security matters, particularly concerning the Sahel and counter-terrorism, as well as a significant economic market.
The Algerian Football Federation FAF is expected to pay a substantial sum to Vladimir Petkovic following his imminent departure. The direct compensation for the Bosnian coach is estimated at 480,000 euros, with additional claims potentially pushing the total past half a million euros. This cost largely stems from a contract extension decision made weeks before the World Cup. Petkovic's monthly salary, which was increased to 160,000 euros, forms the basis for the termination clause, entitling him to three months' compensation. This new figure, rather than the previous 135,000 euros, will be used for calculations. The FAF's decision to formalize the extension and salary increase on June 7, before the team's departure for the United States, added 75,000 euros to the termination cost. The termination also extends to Petkovic's staff, whose contracts were also prolonged until 2028. Three collaborators – Davide Morandi, Paolo Rongoni, and Guido Nanni – are affected, and their increased salaries from the June extension will determine their respective indemnities. The total amount for the staff is yet to be specified but will add to the sum owed to the coach. Petkovic is also entitled to claim the balance of his mission expenses related to the World Cup participation, including specific claims, bonuses, and expense reimbursements from the month-long campaign. Petkovic's previous legal battle after his 2022 dismissal from Girondins de Bordeaux, where he sought up to 15 million euros i