Algeria: An UN expert shocked by the military regime’s repression and the continued criminalization of human rights defenders
The international community, through the indignant voice of Mary Lawlor, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, has once again condemned the repressive and arbitrary actions of the Algerian military regime. This public denunciation comes after a series of persecutions and arrests targeting human rights defenders and lawyers engaged in strictly peaceful activities.
A repressive military regime: Algeria, which claims to be a state that respects fundamental rights, is sinking under the weight of authoritarian drift under the command of its military junta. Serious accusations of harassment, torture, and intimidation now hang over this oppressive regime. The poignant case of Merzoug Touati, an independent journalist imprisoned several times, vividly illustrates the brutal repression prevailing in the country. He is said to have been subjected to physical and psychological torture during his detention, a practice reminiscent of the darkest hours of dictatorship.
Silence in the face of the arrest of lawyers and human rights defenders: The UN Special Rapporteur expressed deep dismay at the arrest of lawyers such as Toufik Belala, Soufiane Ouali, and Omar Boussag, as well as young whistleblowers. These courageous figures were charged with baseless accusations such as “endangering national security” or “inciting an unarmed gathering.” These vague legal provisions are deliberately drafted and used by the military regime to silence any form of dissent.
The violent abduction of Soufiane Ouali by the Algerian police during a dawn raid is a testament to the militarization of repression. This operation, worthy of a police state, led to the arbitrary arrest of several citizens, now facing charges related to “terrorism.”
Mothers of the disappeared silenced: The infamy of the military regime does not stop there. Algerian authorities have not hesitated to prevent members of the Collective of Families of the Disappeared, mostly mothers desperately seeking answers about their children’s disappearances, from holding peaceful events. The absurd scene of these mothers being mistreated by the security forces is a national shame.
An urgent call to the international community: The authoritarian drift in Algeria demands an urgent response from the international community. The military regime, which claims the right to act with impunity, must face severe sanctions for its blatant human rights violations.
It is unacceptable that more than two decades after the civil war, Algeria continues to resort to practices akin to the worst dictatorships to muzzle its citizens. Algeria must immediately stop criminalizing human rights defenders and respect its international commitments.
The dignity of human rights defenders in the face of oppression: Despite the brutality of the Algerian regime, these men and women—journalists, lawyers, activists—remain symbols of courage and dignity. They deserve unconditional support from the international community.
Let history remember the light of their struggle in the face of the darkness of a military regime that tramples on the very principles of justice and humanity.
Source / Le7tv
