Al Abdou Semmar, the founder of Algerian news outlet Algeria Par, said Saturday on his YouTube channel that the military court in Blida, Algeria has reportedly forwarded a dossier to the court of Bir Mourad Rais in Algiers, containing “serious allegations” against the famous artist.
“Cheb Khaled has been friends with Moroccan monarch Mohammed VI for several years,” the journalist said, claiming that Algerian judicial authorities seek to charge Khaled in an alleged espionage case for Morocco.
The journalists further claimed that the news outlet’s investigations revealed that the renowned artist is “suspected and accused of complicity” in espionage activities with the Bennacer brothers. This refers to the brothers Toufik and Boualem Bennacer, sons of the later General Larbi Bennacer.
The journalist also added that Khaled faces accusations of “transmitting sensitive information classified as ‘defense secret’ in Algeria to Moroccan authorities.”
“Based in Luxembourg, Cheb Khaled is now wanted by Algerian justice, which wishes to hear him, charge him, and put him on trial,” the journalist said.
Such claims and accusations come amid the Algerian regime’s hostility towards any party with close ties with Morocco.
Algeria finances, arms, and hosts the Polisario Front, a separatist group seeking to undermine Morocco’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over Western Sahara.
This is also not the first time Algeria has arrested individuals and accused them of espionage for Morocco. The latest arrests took place earlier this week in Oran and Sidi Bel Abbès, and involved two Moroccan nationals.
According to reports, the suspects were alleged to be acting on behalf of a foreign power to undermine Algeria’s national interests.
The Moroccan workers, whose identities have not been disclosed, face serious charges, including espionage and acts against national unity.
Additionally, an Algerian student was accused of spreading false information and using various online platforms to establish a terrorist network.
Algerian media reported that these arrests are part of a broader campaign by Algiers against what it perceives as external threats to its sovereignty.
Khaled has close ties with Morocco, having performed numerous times in the North African country, where he has millions of Moroccan fans.
He frequently shares statements expressing his love and passion for Morocco,, referring to it as his second country.
In 2013, he obtained Moroccan citizenship under a royal decree. This act repeatedly put him at the heart of controversies among those sharing hostility towards Morocco.
In response, however, he has been strongly defending his Moroccan nationality.
When asked about it in 2017, Khaled told the press: “Yes, I have the Moroccan nationality – why would I not have it,” he said.
“You know, I’ve always felt Moroccan since I was a kid. The borders between the Maghreb countries, Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, have never existed for me,” he added.
