Algerian teacher punished for remarks about "the state of Israel"

A scandal has erupted in the southwestern Algerian city of Oran over the text of a history and geography test for high school graduates.

According to the local newspaper Al-Khabar, the term "establishing the state of Israel" was used during the exam, which led to sharp criticism from the public and officials.

According to the local education department, such a term does not correspond to Algeria's official position, which supports the Palestinian people and considers the Zionists to be occupiers.

An investigation has been launched against the teacher who prepared the test. Education Department spokesman Abdul Qadir Ublaid called the incident a "serious mistake" and promised "strict action" against the teacher.