This archive report was first published on 27 October 2019.
On October 27, 2019, Algeria's judiciary was in turmoil as judges and prosecutors went on strike in response to a recent reshuffle of the judiciary.
The move, which affected 3,000 judges and prosecutors out of around 6,000, was seen as a power grab by the executive over the judiciary.
The National Magistrates' Syndicate (SNM) denounced the reshuffle, stating that it was a 'stranglehold by the executive over the power of the judiciary.'
According to the SNM, the strike was being observed by 96 percent of all judges and prosecutors, bringing the country's courts to a standstill.
As a result, the Supreme Court and other courts across the country were unable to function, with Saad Eddine Merzoug, spokesman of the Magistrates' Club, stating that the strike could have a negative impact on the upcoming polls.
The planned December presidential election is meant to find a successor to veteran leader Abdelaziz Bouteflika, who quit in April under pressure from demonstrations.
