A Swiss tourist was brutally killed in Algeria earlier this month in an attack that has drawn international attention, with allegations of a cover-up by local authorities. The tragic incident occurred in the popular tourist destination of Djanet, where the attacker reportedly targeted the woman in a local café.
At a glance:
- On October 11, 2024, a Swiss tourist was killed in Djanet, Algeria, by a man shouting “Allahu Akbar” and “Long live Palestine.”
- The assailant approached the victim’s table in a café and fatally cut her throat, according to reports.
- Local authorities are accused of attempting to suppress news of the murder, instructing residents to remain silent about the incident.
The horrific attack took place as the victim was seated with her traveling companion and children in a bustling café in Djanet, a southern city known for its tourist appeal. According to reports from French newspaper Libération and Swiss broadcaster RTS, the attacker approached the woman, yelled jihadist slogans, and slit her throat with a knife. Despite being rushed to a local hospital, the woman succumbed to her injuries due to severe blood loss.
Prior to the deadly attack, the assailant allegedly attempted to target another group of tourists but was fended off. The perpetrator, described as a recent arrival to Djanet from northern Algeria, had been living reclusively and occasionally begging for money in the area. Local sources claim he pretended to be mute during his interactions with residents.
In the aftermath, Algerian security forces launched a massive manhunt involving helicopters and widespread searches. A few days after the incident, authorities apprehended the suspect, though neither his identity nor that of the victim has been officially disclosed. Allegations have surfaced that local authorities attempted to keep the attack under wraps, urging the public and social media users to avoid discussing the event.
Djanet, often promoted as one of Algeria’s “tourist jewels,” is now in the spotlight for a case that raises questions about the safety of tourists and the handling of such incidents by local authorities. The motives behind the attack remain unclear, but the assailant’s reported slogans have sparked concern over the influence of extremist ideologies in the region.
