ALGIERS, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- The National Union of Magistrates (NUM) in Algeria on Sunday said in a statement that it has begun an unlimited strike to protest against "lack of independence of the judiciary."
The source said that "at a special meeting held on Saturday, the NUM's National Council denounced, primarily, the annual transfer movement of some 3,000 magistrates by the Justice Ministry."
The members of the National Council urged the ministry to reconsider the transfer decision "legally and objectively."
The NUM's statement added that the decision of the Justice Ministry undermines the independence of justice, as it was considered as interference in the magistrates' prerogatives.
However, the Justice Ministry issued a statement later on Sunday to recall that the annual transfer movement of magistrates has already been examined and approved by the Supreme Council of the Judiciary.
This emerging conflict in the judicial system may hinder the presidential election on Dec. 12 in this North African nation as magistrates are key elements in polls.
