Algerian man fined for faking terrorist attack during San Fermin celebrations

AN ALGERIAN man has been fined after shouting “Allahu Akbar” during the ‘Chupinazo’ celebrations prior to the bull runs in Pamplona and causing a stampede.

The man placed a rucksack and a bag on the street near where fireworks are launched during the festivities and began shouting phrases often associated with terrorist attacks, causing panic on the streets.

Fortunately no-one was harmed in the ensuing chaos, and an off-duty police officer quickly immobilised him.

It was then found that the item he was holding in his fist at the time was merely a lighter, and his bags had no explosives or weapons in them.

The court found the man guilty of “taking advantage of the gathering of people in a public place, knowing his actions would cause panic and anguish amongst the families there,” and fined him €960 whilst banning him  from entering Pamplona for 16 months for disturbing the peace.