A young Algerian blogger has been condemned on Wednesday to a suspended sentence of 8 months and a 100 000 dinars (£800) fine for calling on the boycott of the legislatives elections which took place on May 10.

The Criminal court of Sidi Mhamed, in Algiers Province, found guilty Tarek Mameri of destroying property, setting administrative documents on fire and inciting public gatherings.

The 23-year-old was arrested on May 2 for posting videos on Youtube in which he called on the Algerian people to boycott the legislative elections. In the videos he also reportedly criticized politicians, the president Abdelaziz Bouteflika, and two of his ministers.

Prosecutors had initially requested a three-year sentence.

"This sentence is directed at all human rights activists. We are going to appeal and undertake all the necessary moves to have this decision overturned," Mameri's lawyer Amine Sidhom told AFP.