Watan- Social media platforms have been abuzz with controversial narratives surrounding the causes behind the death of retired Algerian General Jamal Laaroussi. Some claim he died under torture, while others suggest he was poisoned by his wife. Contrarily, certain media outlets have simply attributed his death to a severe illness without delving into further specifics.
The Algerian media had previously announced the death of the retired General, attributing it to a severe illness, without providing any additional details regarding the cause of his demise. Laaroussi, who was sent into retirement less than a year ago, had held several leadership positions in the Algerian National Army, with his last post being the commander of the Second District in Oran.
Algerian activist Mohamed El Arabi Zitout, currently residing in London and one of the founders of the “Rashad Movement for Comprehensive Non-Violent Change in Algeria and the Arab Region,” alleged that General Laaroussi was killed under torture at the Antar center affiliated with intelligence. He further pointed out that Laaroussi’s sudden removal from his position a month ago was unexpected, especially since he was one of the close associates of Army Chief General Chengriha.
Zitout elaborated that Laaroussi’s death was orchestrated by those who were involved in his interrogation, specifically pointing fingers at General Abdelkader Haddad, popularly known as Nasser Al-Jinn. He emphasized that the power struggles among the top generals continue unabated, with some being killed, some imprisoned, and others reaching the pinnacle of power, constantly fearing their eventual downfall.
In a different narrative, Algerian journalist Sayed Ahmed Bentaia, based in France, shared a video asserting that the general was poisoned in Blida prison with the complicity of his wife.
Laaroussi had assumed various leadership roles in the National People’s Army, with his last position being the commander of the Second District in Oran. According to local media sources, the prominent Algerian general’s funeral took place on Sunday at the Al-Ashyakh cemetery in the Algerian state of M’sila.