UN Experts Urge Algerian Government to Stop Targeting Human Rights Defenders, Trade Unionists, and Civil Society Organizations

In September, UN experts wrote to the Algerian government regarding the continued targeting of human rights defenders, lawyers, independent trade unions, and civil society organizations. To date, they have received no response. The letter addressed incidents involving human rights lawyers Toufik Belali, Sofiane Oualli, Omar Boussaâk, trade unionist Raouf Mellal, human rights activist Youva Mengalat, environmental activist Karim Kheima, journalist Merzoug Touati, and the Association of Families of the Disappeared.

It is worth noting that this letter was sent by UN special rapporteurs concerned with the situation of human rights defenders, the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression, the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, the independence of judges and lawyers, and the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention.

The experts stated: “We express our grave concern about arbitrary detention, intimidation, threats, criminalization, mistreatment, restrictions, and violations affecting freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and human rights defenders, journalists, lawyers, and trade unionists in Algeria.” They added: “We are also concerned about the repeated use of certain criminal provisions aimed at combating terrorism, particularly Article 87 bis of the Penal Code”; emphasizing international human rights standards, which stipulate that lawyers have the right to carry out their professional functions without any threats, intimidation, or obstruction.”

The experts called on the government to provide clarifications regarding the cases mentioned in the letter, including the factual and legal reasons justifying the arrest, conviction, and legal proceedings against the individuals named. They also reminded the government to ensure the right to due process and a fair trial.

Finally, the experts urged the adoption of measures to ensure the work of human rights defenders, lawyers, independent trade unions, and civil society organizations, providing them with a favorable environment to carry out their legitimate work in support of human rights without fear of intimidation or criminalization.