Algerian Authorities Intensify Repression Against Dissident Voices Online
Amnesty International published a report today, Thursday, stating that the Algerian government has significantly intensified its repressive practices against peaceful opposition, through arbitrary arrests and unjust trials that have led to harsh prison sentences, in an apparent attempt to silence all forms of free expression and dissent expressed online.
The report reveals that at least 23 activists and journalists have been arrested or convicted in the past five months for supporting the “Manish Radhy” protest campaign, which was launched in December 2024 to denounce the deteriorating economic and social conditions and the repression of freedoms in Algeria.
The report cites a statement from Heba Morayef, Director of Amnesty International’s Middle East and North Africa office, who expressed grave concern over the Algerian authorities’ digital repression policy. She emphasized that “there is no justification for the detention of individuals simply for expressing their dissatisfaction with the political and social conditions.”
According to the report, the organization investigated nine cases of activists and journalists targeted for their online expressions. Seven of them were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 18 months to five years, while five others were tried in expedited procedures lacking guarantees for a fair trial. Some were also banned from publishing or traveling.
Heba Morayef stated that this latest wave of arbitrary arrests demonstrates the Algerian authorities’ determination to crush all forms of dissent expressed online. She called for the immediate release of all individuals imprisoned for peacefully exercising their right to freedom of expression, as well as independent investigations into human rights violations.
The report is based on legal documents, court rulings, the victims’ social media posts, interviews with 11 individuals who agreed to share their information, and relevant media reports.
The report highlights notable cases, including the conviction of activists Sohaïb Dabbagh and Mahdi Bazioui to 18 months in prison for participating in the “Manish Radhy” campaign. Dabbagh was accused of “disseminating information harmful to national interest” and “inciting an unarmed gathering,” while Bazioui was convicted of “hiding a person to obstruct justice.”
In another case, poet and activist Mohamed Tijedit was sentenced to five years in prison just four days after his arrest, due to his political posts and poems marked with the hashtag #Manish_Radhy. He was also fined a heavy sum.
The organization also noted that activist Belaid Cherfi was sentenced to four years in prison for posting content supporting the campaign on social media, while activist Fadhila Hammas was arrested after political posts on Facebook and faces a possible three-year prison sentence.
Similarly, activist Abla Qomari Drama was sentenced to three years in prison, with one year suspended, for posts criticizing the social situation in southern Algeria. Finally, activist Massinissa Lakhil faced harsh penalties, including prison sentences and significant fines, due to his activities on Facebook.
Journalists were not spared from this crackdown, according to Amnesty International’s report. Abdelwahab Moulak was sentenced to 18 months in prison for a Facebook post, while journalist Mustapha Ben Jamaa was placed under judicial supervision, with a ban on travel and publishing.
Amnesty International concluded its report by reminding that since the outbreak of the popular protest movement in 2019, Algerian authorities have used the judicial system to repress peaceful opponents, leading to a worrying erosion of civil and political rights in the country.
