Algerian authorities intensify repression before the election
Over the past five years, the Algerian authorities have significantly suppressed fundamental freedoms by enacting laws that restrict the enjoyment of rights and freedoms. This contradicts the 2020 Constitution, which calls for the separation of powers and the respect of human rights. These laws are not in line with international standards and fail to promote the rights enshrined in international treaties ratified by Algeria. Furthermore, the authorities have intensified systematic restrictions on human rights during this period.
As the presidential election campaign, set for September 7, 2024, approaches, the Algerian authorities have consistently pursued repressive measures, limiting the freedoms of political actors, civil society organizations, and the media. This has stifled political participation in the country, creating an environment of heightened political tension that deprives people of their rights to political participation, freedom of expression, freedom of association, and peaceful assembly.
Authorities have arrested and prosecuted dozens of activists, human rights defenders, and political opponents, with hundreds still in pre-trial detention or serving sentences related to the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Most charges involve allegations of terrorism, spreading false information, and insulting the President of the Republic. The authorities have also dissolved political parties and human rights organizations, with the repressive campaign continuing into the first week of the presidential election campaign. SHOAA for Human Rights, has documented the arrest and detention of numerous activists and increased security and judicial surveillance of many political opponents. Most recent arrests stem from individuals expressing their views on the elections, commenting on President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s candidacy for a second term, or protesting the use of state resources to favor candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
Since the election campaign began, incumbent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s campaign has been well-funded and visible through rallies, posters, murals, and street campaigns. There have been observations of the misuse of administrative resources and state facilities by Tebboune’s campaign managers, including the use of government vehicles and the involvement of public officials in their official capacities.
During the first week of the election campaign, candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune received extensive coverage in both government and private media, with comprehensive news reports on his campaign activities and achievements during his first term. In contrast, other candidates received minimal media coverage. Competing candidates have complained of media bias in favor of incumbent candidate Abdelmadjid Tebboune and criticized the unequal distribution of media space among presidential candidates. They also protested the extensive allocation of media space to leaders of parties supporting Tebboune during the campaign. This violates Articles 77 and 78 of the Election Law and Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which mandate equality among election candidates in media access and prohibit discrimination.
SHOAA strongly condemns the continued human rights violations, including arrests and heightened security and judicial restrictions on political opponents, human rights defenders, and activists. SHOAA also condemns the ongoing repression and systematic restrictions on freedom of opinion and expression, which it considers a violation of the essential conditions for free and fair elections.
SHOAA urges the Algerian authorities to end the campaign of repression against the opposition and to immediately release all those arbitrarily detained solely for peacefully exercising their fundamental rights before the upcoming presidential elections. It also calls for the lifting of comprehensive restrictions on the right to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, and for ensuring respect for rights and freedoms, including political opinion, as stipulated in the constitution and international treaties.
