“Chouaa” Calls for the Release of Women Prisoners of Conscience on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

Statement by the Chouaa Organization for Human Rights:
November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, established by the United Nations. On this occasion, the “Chouaa” organization renews its condemnation of the abuses faced by detained activists and human rights defenders in Algeria, as well as the repressive policies pursued by the authorities, including the arbitrary detention of women. This day is an opportunity to reaffirm “Chouaa’s” call to end repressive practices, cease the persecution and detention of women, and advocate for their unconditional release.
To date, six Algerian women activists remain imprisoned: Djamila Ben Touïs, Abla Koumari, Mira Mekhnache, Fatima Boudouda, Fawzia Omrani, and Leïla Maoudoub, for exercising their right to freedom of expression. All were arbitrarily detained, subjected to psychological torture, and denied fair trial standards.
On September 30, 2024, UN experts issued a statement expressing their position on the case of activist and prisoner of conscience Djamila Ben Touïs, who was imprisoned on March 3, 2024, for performing a song critical of the Algerian regime. These experts deemed her detention arbitrary, unjust, and in violation of her rights to freedom of expression and a fair trial.

On this occasion, “Chouaa” calls on Algerian authorities to stop targeting women and endangering their lives, cease repressive measures and harassment against activists, and release the detained women unconditionally.