Statement on the Disappearance of Algerian Journalist and Writer Hicham ABOUD

With deep concern, we inform the public and the competent Spanish authorities about the disappearance of Algerian journalist and writer Hicham Aboud, a fervent pacifist opponent of the Algerian military regime and a member of the Confederal Council of our NGO, the World Amazigh Assembly. Coming from France and since his arrival in Madrid, the capital of Spain, on the afternoon of Thursday, October 17, and after leaving Barajas Airport en route to the city center, his family and friends have received no news of him.

To date, and at the time of this press release, his situation remains completely unknown.

Hicham Aboud, a renowned journalist and author of the bestseller The Mafia of the Generals, where he denounces the criminal excesses of the Algerian regime during the 1990s, is an emblematic figure in the fight for press freedom and human rights in Algeria. His constant commitment against corruption and oppression, and his fierce fight for the democratization of his country, exposed him to numerous threats and assassination attempts by the Algerian security services.

The disappearance of our friend Hicham Aboud raises serious concerns about his personal safety, and we ask the Spanish and international authorities to do everything possible to actively investigate the circumstances of his disappearance, with the hope of finding him safe and sound.

We express our deepest solidarity with the family and loved ones of Mass Hicham Aboud, and hope he regains his freedom as soon as possible.

Rachid Raha, President of the World Amazigh Assembly